Professor Aasia Khanum is a senior Computer Science academic and AI educator at Forman Christian College (a chartered university), Lahore, Pakistan, with extensive experience in Artificial Intelligence, curriculum innovation, academic leadership, and technology-enhanced learning. She has served in multiple leadership and quality assurance roles, including Chairperson of the Department of Computer Science, coordinator of industry-academia initiatives, and contributor to accreditation and curriculum development processes aligned with international standards.

Her teaching and research interests span Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, AI in Education, learning design, ethical and responsible AI integration, and emerging areas such as Generative and Agentic AI systems. She is particularly interested in authentic assessment design, AI literacy, and the evolving relationship between human learning, critical thinking, and intelligent technologies in higher education.

Professor Khanum has supervised numerous undergraduate and graduate projects in AI and related fields, delivered faculty development and AI training sessions, and contributed to institutional conversations around the responsible adoption of AI in teaching and learning. Her current work focuses on learning-centered approaches to AI integration, reflective pedagogy, and designing educational experiences that cultivate both technical competence and ethical awareness. 

She also engages with academic and professional communities through workshops, curriculum initiatives, advisory collaborations, and international educational forums.  

Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Safian is a lecturer in music education based in Malaysia, with academic and professional expertise in instructional technology, music pedagogy, and educational research. His work focuses on advancing teaching and learning practices in music education through the integration of innovative pedagogical approaches and emerging technologies.

Abeer Qunaibi is an award-winning mathematics teacher and global education leader with more than 24 years of experience. A Harvard Graduate School of Education MEPLI fellow and Global Teacher Prize Top 50 finalist, she is dedicated to innovation, equity, and teacher empowerment. Her work bridges classroom practice and educational policy, advancing e-learning, creativity, and student-centered learning. In times of crisis, she has championed equitable access to education, believing it is a pathway to opportunity, dignity, and lasting change.

Dr. Ace C. Lagman is a distinguished scholar, academic leader, and policy contributor in the field of Information Technology education and computing research in the Philippines. He currently serves as Senior Director of the College of Computer Studies and Multimedia Arts at FEU Institute of Technology, where he leads strategic academic initiatives, research development, and industry-academe collaborations in computing and multimedia disciplines. Dr. Lagman is a Technical Panel Member for Information Technology of the Commission on Higher Education(CHED), contributing to national curriculum standards, quality assurance frameworks, and higher education policy development. In addition, Dr. Lagman was appointed also as CHED Technical Panel Member for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics of Commission on Higher Education(CHED) focused on developing roadmap of AI in the Philippines He previously served as President of the Council of Deans and Program Heads for Information Technology Education NCR (CODITE-NCR), where he championed innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence among IT institutions in the National Capital Region because of this he is the first recipient of the Council of Deans Leadership Excellence Award. A certified Scientific and Technological Specialist by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Dr. Lagman actively contributes to advancing scientific and technological research. He is a Regular Member of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) and serves in various national bodies, including the Technical Committee of the Bureau of Philippine Standards under the Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Working Group of the DOST Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI). Through these roles, he contributes to shaping national IT standards, research priorities, and science education initiatives. An accomplished researcher, Dr. Lagman has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications in Scopus-indexed journals and international conference proceedings. His scholarly work spans computing innovation, educational technology, artificial intelligence applications, and information systems research. He has received multiple international awards for research excellence in Thailand, Korea, Japan, US and other countries. In recognition of his contributions to science, education, and public service, he has been conferred prestigious distinctions including Dangal ng Baliwag and Dangal ng Lipi ng Bulacan, the highest honors granted by the city and provincial governments, respectively. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Dangal ng Bulacan Foundation, Inc., alongside prominent national leaders. According to the AD Scientific Index World Ranking, Dr. Lagman ranks one of top scientist in the Philippines particularly in Engineering and Technology. Dr. Lagman’s work continues to influence higher education reform, computing research advancement, and national IT policy development—making him a sought-after keynote speaker on topics including digital transformation in education, quality assurance in computing programs, artificial intelligence in higher education, and research excellence in emerging technologies.

Associate Professor Dr Adeline Chia Yoke Yin is the Head of the School of Biosciences at Taylor’s University, Malaysia. She obtained her PhD in Molecular Medicine from Monash University. Her expertise spans molecular biology, biochemistry, endocrinology, regenerative medicine, and drug discovery, with a strong emphasis on diabetes, neurodegeneration, cancer, and natural product therapeutics. As a principal investigator and collaborator, Dr Chia has led pioneering projects in stem cell reprogramming for pancreatic beta-cell regeneration, exosome-based anti-inflammatory therapies, biomarker discovery for cardiovascular diseases, and anticancer peptides from natural sources. Her research excellence is recognized through high-impact publications, competitive grants, and national awards, including the Anugerah Khas Menteri Pengajian Tinggi (2022) for curriculum innovation.

Beyond her university leadership, Dr Chia serves as the Honorary Secretary of the Malaysian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MSBMB), Vice President of the Malaysian Biomedical Science Association (MyBiomed), and an active member of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia – Young Scientists Network (YSN-ASM), as well as global scientific bodies such as the IUBMB. She was recently appointed as an Adjunct Faculty at the Biology Department, Far Eastern University, Philippines—reflecting her commitment to advancing biosciences education, fostering international collaborations, and nurturing future researchers across Asia.

Dr. Adity Saxena, Professor & Dean, School of Art & Design, Woxsen University | Director, Centre for Learning Design

Dr. Adity Saxena is a Professor, Dean, and institutional strategist with over two decades of experience in higher education, design pedagogy, and international academic leadership. Under her leadership, Woxsen University's School of Art & Design has been ranked 1st in Telangana and 2nd in India (IIRF 2025) for three consecutive years, leading a community of 40+ faculty and 500+ students.

An elected Board Member of the College Art Association (USA) — the first Indian academic to hold this position — she brings a distinctly global and equity-centred perspective to design education. She is also India's representative for Restorative Justice Education and Director of Woxsen's Centre for Learning Design, a national hub for pedagogical innovation with partnerships spanning the UK, EU, and USA.

Dr. Saxena has led EU-funded Erasmus+ research, co-chaired the Australia–India Leadership Roundtable (AILEAD 2025) with the University of Melbourne, and delivered keynotes at OEB Berlin, UX India, PRME/UN Global Compact, and Chelsea College of Art (UAL London). Her research spans design thinking, learning design, curriculum innovation, and equity in education, with publications in international peer-reviewed journals and recognition including the IDA Award 2023 and the PRME 2025 Award for Curriculum Innovation.

She has been awarded Best Dean at Woxsen University for two consecutive years (2023 & 2024).

Aditya Pasumarthi is an academician, architect, and sustainability-focused educator with over 17 years of teaching experience and 18 years of professional practice in architecture, interior design, building materials, and environmental innovation. Currently associated with Woxsen University as Assistant Dean and Associate Professor, his work integrates design education, sustainability, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary research. He actively contributes to future-focused learning ecosystems through academic leadership, industry collaboration, and innovation-driven initiatives. His interests span sustainable development, AI-integrated design systems, neuroarchitecture, and experiential learning, with a strong focus on preparing future-ready professionals for evolving global challenges.

Dr Aditya Kumar Tiwary is a Professor and Associate Dean at the University Centre for Research & Development (UCRD), Chandigarh University, Mohali, India, with over 12 years of experience in civil and structural engineering. He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering and specializes in Structural Engineering, with a strong focus on advanced composite materials, high-performance concrete, including supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), and fire-resilient concrete systems. Dr Tiwary’s research is closely linked with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 9 (Industry and Innovation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), through the development of sustainable materials and infrastructure. Dr Tiwary authored over 90 publications in SCI/SCIE/Scopus-indexed journals. He is recognized among the World’s Top 2% Scientists (Stanford University & Elsevier, 2025), reflecting his global research impact in fire-resilient and sustainable infrastructure systems.

Dr. Adolph Vincent E. Vigor is a Filipino architect, academic, researcher, and professional leader whose work bridges architectural practice, higher education, project management, and built-environment research. He served as the Department Head of the Architecture Department of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines–Cagayan de Oro from 2023 to 2025, where he contributed to academic leadership, program development, faculty coordination, and quality assurance initiatives in architectural education.

He completed his Doctor of Technology Education degree at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in 2023, earning an outstanding GPA of 1.03. Prior to this, he finished his Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management with Merit at the University of Liverpool in 2016. In 2017, he was admitted to Chartered Architect status by the Royal Institute of British Architects, reflecting his professional recognition beyond the Philippines.

Dr. Vigor was conferred as an ASEAN Architect in February 2026, further strengthening his standing in the regional architectural community. He also served as the Past President of the United Architects of the Philippines–Cagayan de Oro Chapter for FY 2024–2025. In recognition of his service and leadership, he received the Golden Leadership Award from the United Architects of the Philippines–Cagayan de Oro Chapter during its 50th Chapter Founding Anniversary in March 2026. He was also awarded a Plaque of Recognition as Outstanding Chapter President by PRC-CAPO Region X, the Council of Accredited Professional Organizations, in 2025.

As a scholar and researcher, Dr. Vigor has earned several distinctions in academic and research conferences. At the International Conference in Science, Innovation and Technology 2025 (ICSIT 2025), he received the Best Paper Award, Best Abstract Award, and Best Presenter Award. He also received the Best Paper Award at the International Conference on Research, Innovation and Investment 2024 (ICRII 2024) for his research on Spatial Intelligence in Architecture.

His institutional recognitions include the Academic Achievement Award during the USTP PRAISE Awards 2024, the Intellectual Property Rights Award (Copyright and Related Right) during the USTP PRAISE Awards 2024, the Novice Researcher Award during the USTP PRAISE Awards 2023, and the Intellectual Property Rights Award (Copyright and Related Right) during the USTP PRAISE Awards 2023 and 2022.

Through his leadership, scholarship, and professional service, Dr. Vigor continues to contribute to the advancement of architectural education, research, and practice. His professional journey reflects a strong commitment to academic excellence, research productivity, institutional service, and the promotion of architecture as a discipline that shapes communities, improves the built environment, and inspires future generations of architects.

Startup and innovation leader with a strong focus on turning ideas into scalable products and real market opportunities. I lead the Startup & Technology Transfer Office at Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, where I design and manage incubation programs, support early-stage founders, build university-industry partnerships, and help transform research and student ideas into startups.

My work sits at the intersection of entrepreneurship, applied AI, and ecosystem building. I mentor teams on MVP development, business models, market validation, pitch readiness, and innovation strategy, while also contributing to projects in AI, robotics, and NLP.

About
An Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering who holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. His expertise includes renewable energy systems, solar technologies, and sustainable engineering solutions.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Manea has served as a reviewer for international scientific journals and held several academic leadership positions supporting scientific affairs, sustainability initiatives, and higher education development at Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Iraq.

He also served as a Judge for the 2025 QS Reimagine Education Awards, contributing his expertise in educational innovation, student success, and the integration of emerging technologies in higher education.

Aicha Adoui is a Vevox Top 50 Voices in Higher Education recognized scholar and professor at Mohammed V University in Morocco, working at the intersection of higher education development, academic integrity, and international collaboration. A Fulbright alumna, she brings a transnational academic perspective shaped by research, teaching, and policy engagement across diverse international contexts.

She is the editor of Artificial Intelligence, Academic Integrity, and the Internationalization of Higher Education: Navigating Innovation and Ethics, contributing to global discussions on the future of higher education in the age of AI.

Her work spans publishing, academic leadership, and institutional capacity building, including initiatives such as iHED (Internationalization of Higher Education International Conference), aimed at strengthening global academic networks and supporting professional development for scholars and practitioners.

She is a frequent speaker at international and national forums, including for UNESCO, and the Rabat International Book Fair (SIEL), where she has contributed to panels alongside leading Moroccan scholars in law, governance, and public policy. Across her work, she focuses on bridging rigorous scholarship with applied institutional impact; strengthening visibility, collaboration, and transformation within global higher education systems.

Higher Education Quality Assurance and Enhancement Consultant 

Dr.S. Albert Alexander is the recipient of prestigious Raman Research Fellowship from the University Grants Commission (Government of India). He is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. His current research focuses on fault diagnostic systems for solar energy conversion systems and smart grids. He has 18 years of academic and research experience. He has published 117 technical papers in International and National journals (including IEEE Transactions, IET, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, Springer, Wiley etc.,) and presented 84 papers at national and international conferences.

He has completed 10 funded projects (DST, UGC, ASEAN, ICMR) and 3 projects are ongoing (Under SPARC, ANRF and VIT) with the overall grant amount of Rs.5.03 crores. His Ph.D. work on power quality earned him a National Award from ISTE, and he has received 30 awards for his meritorious academic and research career (such as Young Engineers Award from IE(I), Young Scientist Award from SPRERI, Gujarat, Best researcher award from IEEE Madras section etc.,). He has also received the “National Teaching Innovator Award” from MHRD (Government of India). He is an approved “Margdarshak” from AICTE (Government of India). He is the approved “Mentor for Change” under Atal Innovation Mission. He is an AICTE approved Translator under National Education Policy to translate engineering books into regional languages.

He has guided 32 graduate and postgraduate projects. Six research scholars completed their Ph.D. and five students are currently pursuing their Ph.D. under his guidance. He is a member and in prestigious positions in various national and international forums (such as Senior Member, IEEE and Vice President for Energy Conservation Society, India etc.,). He is the Chairman for IEEE Power Electronics Society, IEEE Madras Section. He has been an invited speaker in 330 programs (As on July 2025) covering nine Indian states and also at USA. He has organized 25 events, including faculty development programs, workshops, and seminars.

He completed his graduate program in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Bharathiar University and his postgraduate and Ph.D. programs from Anna University, India. Formerly, he worked as a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Kongu Engineering College. Presently, he is working as an Associate Professor Senior in the School of Electrical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore and also doing research work in Artificial Intelligent based controllers for power conversion, smart health care systems, smart grids, solar PV, and power quality improvement techniques.

He has authored the following books in his areas of interest: (1) Development of 6G Networks and Technology, Wiley Publishers, (2) Algorithm and Design Complexity, CRC Press (Taylor and Francis), (3) Basic Electrical Engineering”, Khanna Publishers (Under AICTE, Government of India), (4) Design and Simulation of Electrical Machines with MATLAB, Nova Publishers, (5) Power Electronic Converters for Electrical Vehicles, CRC Press, (6) Power Electronic Converters for Solar PV Systems, Elsevier, (7) Advanced Deep Learning for Engineers and Scientists, Springer, (8) Computational Paradigm Techniques for Enhancing Electric Power Quality, CRC Press, (9) Basic Electrical, Electronics and Measurement Engineering, Anuradha Publishers and (10) Special Electrical Machines, Anuradha Publishers.

FORMER UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT | HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY CONSULTANT | QUALITY ASSURANCE AND ACCREDITATION SPECIALIST

Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines

Email: sir_mads@yahoo.com | albert_madrigal1121@gmail.com

________________________________________

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

Seasoned higher education leader with over 36 years of experience in academic governance, institutional development, research advancement, and quality assurance. Demonstrated expertise in leading academic units, strengthening curriculum systems, and aligning institutional practices with national and international standards.

Former university president with a strong track record in academic program development, accreditation, national and international collaborations, faculty capability building, and research productivity enhancement.

ALCUCOA accreditor, CHED4A-RQAT assessor, accredited CPD Trainor, education policy consultant, and recognized for fostering a culture of academic excellence, continuous improvement, and outcomes-based education as evidenced by the university’s Level 2 Accreditation and CHED Gawad Parangal awardee.

Recipient of the 2025 ICON of Change Award for contributions to United Nations SDG 4 (Quality Education) and international judge for the Quacquarelli Symonds QS Reimagine Education Awards (London, UK 2024).

________________________________________

CORE COMPETENCIES

Academic Leadership and Governance

Organizational and People Management

Curriculum Development and Innovation

Crisis Communication and Public Relations

Research Development and Publication Strategy

Quality Assurance and Accreditation (ALCUCOA, OBE)

Faculty Development and Academic Mentoring

Institutional Planning and Policy Development

Academic Standards and Compliance (CHED)

Student Academic Support Systems

Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving

Internationalization of Higher Education

Academe-Industry Strategic and Sustainable Partnership

________________________________________

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE IN ACADEMICS, RESEARCH, AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

University President

Pamantasan ng Cabuyao | 2019 – 2022

Served as chief academic and administrative leader, overseeing all academic units, research initiatives, and quality assurance systems.

•            Directed the academic affairs, research and extension programs, and quality assurance mechanisms of the university

•            Led the institution’s successful Level II Accreditation under ALCUCOA, strengthening program quality and institutional credibility and academic reputation

•            Established and strengthened research development systems, significantly increasing Scopus-indexed publications among faculty and students

•            Championed faculty development programs, including training, graduate studies support, and international exposure and collaborations

•            Strengthened curriculum alignment with industry needs and global standards, improving graduate employability and increased resource-sharing with the industry

•            Improved academic support units like library services, student academic services, instructional systems, learning management systems, records management, and programs for total development of students

________________________________________

Executive Vice President

Pamantasan ng Cabuyao | 2016 – 2019

•            Supervised academic operations, institutional planning, and policy implementation

•            Coordinated academic units and ensured alignment with institutional goals and regulatory standards

•            Strengthened internal systems for academic quality assurance and program evaluation

•            Supported research initiatives through industry partnerships

•            Established international linkages with academic institutions for sustainable programs for instruction, research, and institutional development

________________________________________

Vice President for Academic Affairs

Pamantasan ng Cabuyao | 2008 – 2011

•            Served as the primary academic officer responsible for academic programs, faculty, and curriculum.

•            Supervised deans and academic heads in program implementation and evaluation as well as continuous improvement of instruction

•            Led curriculum development and review processes aligned with CHED standards, professional organizations, and industry needs

•            Spearheaded accreditation initiatives and sustainable academic quality improvement programs

•            Strengthened faculty performance through training, mentoring, and evaluation systems

________________________________________

Founding Vice President for Academic Affairs

City College of Calamba | 2006 – 2007

•            Established academic structures, policies, and systems from institutional inception to actual opening/operation of the local college

•            Ensured compliance with CHED, DBM, Commission on Audit, and Civil Service Commission standards for smooth opening and operation of the college

•            Designed academic programs and faculty systems aligned with quality education standards

•            Responsible for hiring pioneer teaching and non-teaching personnel, with high level of qualifications (mostly UP graduates)

________________________________________

EDUCATION

Doctor of Philosophy in Extension Education

University of the Philippines Los Baños, 2017

Master of Arts in Speech Communication

University of the Philippines Diliman. 1992

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts

University of the Philippines Los Baños. 1988

Licensed Professional Teacher (LPT)

Professional Regulation Commission, 2005

Certificate Program in Teaching

University of Perpetual Help – Calamba, 2004

I graduated from a Teacher Training University and have 31 years of teaching experience. I have worked at both secondary schools and higher education establishments. I am now a Director of the SIU Language and Lifelong Learning Centre and a General Education Lecturer at Shinawatra University, Pathum Thani, Thailand. Despite the university degree, I was doing research at the Scientific Institute of Pedagogy and Psychology of Vocational Education in Kazan, Russia, and have made several publications at regional, national, and international conferences, including one article for a scientific journal “Science and Education” (Russia). The topic of my research was “Peculiarities and Content of Linguistic and Cultural Studies as Part of Establishing the Dialogue of Cultures”. In 2009, I successfully passed the TKT exam (University of Cambridge ESOL Examination), and in 2013, I completed a 120-hour TEFL/ TESOL course at UniTEFL International Centre in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and in 2023, I completed the Being a Teacher Trainer course from Sheffield University, UK. My research interests are problems in teaching pronunciation, using literature in the ELT classroom, teaching life skills, psychology in ELT, cultural studies in teaching English, and questions in developing functional literacy.

Experienced in social work, teaching, and research on the topics: vulnerabilities; human rights; community health planning; monitoring and evaluation of social programs; and psychosocial intervention technologies. Proficiency in techniques to facilitate and mediate groups and tools for collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative demographic data. Currently is a Professor in the Department of Social Psychology at the Institute of Psychology at the University of São Paulo, responsible for the area of ​​intercultural and race-ethnicity.

Dr Alfred Kitawi is the Director of the Centre for Research in Education and lecturer at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Strathmore University, Kenya. His expertise is in the areas of monitoring and evaluation, higher education management and integration of ICT into teaching and learning. He has led projects in community capacity development, life-skills training, and community engagement in Kenya and Uganda. Alfred has played a key role in curriculum development, including co-creating post-graduate curricula in Education Management and the design of curricula for incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs. His research focuses on quality assurance in higher education and knowledge management. In addition to supervising postgraduate theses, Alfred has been instrumental in the creation of digital platforms such as emsingi.org and totem.ke. Committed to values-based education and community service, he strives to empower learners, promote inclusive education, and advance the development of universities and educational systems.

Full prof . ALI AHMED ALAWADY (PhD)

DOB: 18 / 04 / 1964

Al-Diwaniyah, IRAQ

+9647801165024  /   +9647807993903

ali.najeeb@qu.edu.iq   / alialawady64@gmail.com

Website links :

https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57207889555

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0643-0389

https://myaccount.google.com/u/1/personal-info?hl=ar

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ali-Alawady?ev=hdr_xprf

Academic Rank:

Professor (Ph.D.)

General Field:

Sports Science

Specific Field:

Sports Physiology and Rehabilitation

Summary

An ambitious professional seeking a productive work environment, with

experience working with diverse individuals in various settings. Seeking a

position that values both experience and ambition.

Commissioned by Times Higher Education to evaluate the top 15

universities in the world for 2025. Also served as a judge for the QS World

University Rankings in 2023, 2024, and 2025. He evaluated 50 leading

global projects in the field of artificial intelligence in higher education for the

years 2023, 2024, and 2025, including 29 projects in 2025. He was

appointed editor and reviewer for Al-Zahra Journal of Artificial Intelligence

in 2025, and also served as a scientific research reviewer for the Artificial

Intelligence Center in 2025. Member of the editorial board of international

scientific journals (American and Indonesian); published applied scientific

research in international journals (American, Japanese, Spanish, Turkish,

Indian, Algerian, and Iraqi). Appointed as a member of international

scientific committees at conferences held in Japan and the United States

(2018–2022). He has evaluated 64 international patents and holds one

patent.

Skills

• Team leadership

• Problem-solving

• Has international experience in student activities

• Employee training and development

• Trustworthy and reliable

• Proficient in MS Office

• Fluent in English and Arabic (native language)

• Employee training and development

 Teaching at the university of Al-Qadisiyah, ministry of higher

education for 35 years.

 An expert of leadership- Youth and sport.

 Director of physical education at the university of Al-Qadisiyah,

2006-2007.

 Head of physical education, presidency of the university of Al-

Qadisiyah, 2007-2009.

 Director assistant of artistic and students’ activities, Al-Qadisiyah

University, 2004.

 Head of sport unit in the college of medicine, 2002-2004.

 Head of sport supervision at the presidency of Al-Qadisiyah

University, 2003.

 Head of government programme at the college of education, Al-

Qadisiyah University, 2019-2020.

 Head of students’ activities of the college of education, 2019-

2020.

 Coach of Iraqi national team of universities, 1994.

 Coach Al-Diwaniyah club for the ages (young and junior), 1989-

1992.

 Al-rafidain club for juniors, 1984- 1989.

 Al-Qadisiyah university teams, 1992- 2014.

 College of education teams, 2012- 2020.

 Experience of sport festivals and graduation for more than 28

years.

 Member of international committee at Waseda university

conference, Japan, 2020.

 Member of an international committee at the international

Conference of Dakota, Japan, 2020.

 Member of an international committee at Osaka international

Conference, Japan, 2019.

 Member of an international committee at the Waseda international

Conference, 2018

 Member of a scientific and preparatory committee for the

international conference of student activities, 2020.

 Chairman of the Committee of teams coaches of the University of

Al-Qadisiyah sport games, 2019

 Chairman of the Committee of teams coaches of the University of

Al-Qadisiyah for sport games, 2020

 Head of the Committee of students teams of the University of Al-

Qadisiyah of basketball, 1992-2014

 Head of the Scientific Committee of deputation at the college of

Education 2019 - 2020

 Head of the investigation Committees 2014 and 2016

 Head of Basketball Committee at the University of Al-Qadisiya,

2018 - 2019

 Head of the delegation of Al-Qadisiya University teams

participated in the Iraqi Universities championship, University of

Basra, 2007.

 Head of the delegation of Al-Qadisiya University teams

participated in the Iraqi Universities championship, Babil

University, 2014.

 Direct supervision on more than (27) championship, college of

Education, 2012 – 2019.

 A referee of 30 international basketball matches.

Education:

 PhD, Iraq, University of Al-Qadisiyah, College of physical

Education, 2012.

 Average: very good

 Field: Physiology & therapy.

PhD title:

The Effect of Walking and Diet in Some Physiological and Anthropometrical

Changeable to Male and Female Hypertensive Patients at the Elderly House in

Al- Diwaniyah city.

 Msc. Hashemite kingdom of Jordan, Al-Yarmouk university,

college of Education, 2007.

 Field: Sport science & Motor sciences.

 Average: very good.

 Msc. Title:

 The Effect of Suggestive Oxiginal Training Program on Some

physiological for the high blood pressure.

 Bachelor of Physical education: Bsc., Iraq, Basra University,

college of physical Education, 1989.

 Field: science of physical education

 Average: Above good.

 Diploma, Iraq, Teachers’ Central Institute, Maysan, 1984.

 Field: physical education

 Average: above good

Training courses: 83, most notably

 Professional electronic learning for 2 months organized by

IREX, 2020.

 International refereeing course of basketball for7 days organized

by International union, Switzerland, 2000.

 Strategic planning & Crises management for 5 days organized by

French org., 2010.

 Drafting official letters of the departments for 3 days (TOT)

organized by Al-Tamyz org.

Activities:

 Translating International Code of Basketball (2013, 2016).

 Writing (2) books about (Nutritional and sport).

Scientific Activities:

.

 Senior advisory member of the USA Conferences 2022

 A scientific paper in Japan International conference, Tokyo, 2017.

He got class (20) out of (700) participants.

 International conference in Sultanate of Oman, Sultan Qaboos

University, 2018.

 More than 27 international and local conferences including (7)

conferences in Japan 2017- 2020, and conferences in USA 2022.

Prizes:

 A distinguished researcher at Al-Qadisiyah university website

https://qu.edu.iq.

 Gold Medal for Excellence and Scientific Creativity from the United

Arab Emirates – Dubai, 25/ 9 /2021.

 Bronze medal for the patent participated in the conference of patents

at American university of Sulaimani, 2019.

 The Medal of Academic Excellence from the Iraqi Ministry of

Education, 1984.

 Scientific excellence award for 2018 & 2019, respectively.

 Participated in Dirassa Emirate prize, 2016.

Scientific Studies: (published in USA, Japan, Spain, Turkey, Malaysia

India, and local Iraqi journals). There are (6) of the papers published in

Scopus indexed journals.

 The relationship of sports flannel on skin contact allergy, white

blood cells and distance achievement of weight-throwing players.

 The Effect of Sports and Diets Programs on Weight, Blood

Pressure, and Biochemical Parameters of Tissue Oxygen in Aged

Men.

 Computation of Climate and Physiological Impact on Weight by

Using Recreational Sport.

 The Use of Some Programs (Running, Diets and Sports

Equipment) and its Impact on the Elders' Weight, Diastolic blood

Pressure and LDL.

 The effect of psycho-physiological sports proposed in terms of the

hormone endorphins serotonin and their relative results on mental

fitness in the aged.

 The Effect of Using Auxiliary Device to Learn Accurate Forward

Somersault on Balance Beam on Human Factors of Pulse and

Breathing.

 An analytical study of drinking stations according to the

biochemical variables of the marathon runners in Iraq.

 The Effect of Using Sport Bike and Bicycles on Some

Physiological Variables of the Fourth Year Students in the College

of Physical Education/ Al-Qadisiyah University.

 The Impact of Power Generators Noise on the Systolic and

Diastolic Blood Pressure for the Second years Students/ College of

Physical Education and Sport Sciences/ Al- Qadisiyah University.

 Running on the Treadmill Using Artificial and Natural Air and its

Effect on the Pulse, Blood Pressure and Tissues Oxygen for

Female Students.

 The Effect of Walking in Husseiniya March in Two Agricultural

and Desert Ways - from Basra City to Karbala 512 km in Some

Physiological Variables for Men over 30 Years Old.

 The development of some types of strength for the two men using

the (Vertimax) device and its effect on the performance of the

young badminton players.

 The effect of elongation and tightening of sports shirts in the

variables of pulse, tissue oxygen pressure and distance

achievement on the students of the teams of the colleges of the

University of Qadisiyah by throwing the spear.

 The effect of a training approach using weights to develop fast

power and its effectiveness with the accuracy of the crushing

Qatari volleyball hitting.

 Evaluation of the risk of female athlete syndrome among some

frames of sports institutes in Algeria.

Appreciation letters (113):

 Iraq Prime minister (2), 2013, 2022

 Minister of higher education and scientific research (7), 2013, 2019,

2020, and, 2021

 Deputy of the minister of higher education for scientific affairs (2),

2020.

 Middle technical university president (1), 2018.

 Presidents of Al-Qadisiyah University (32) from 1992- 2024.

 Assistant of the university president for scientific affairs (3) for

2007, 2008.

 Deans of the colleges of education, Literature, and medicine (64)

from 1998- 2022.

 Director General of Education Diwaniyah Governorate(2).

Additional Information

Communications:

Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to

convey complex Concepts and recommendations to staff at senior levels,

both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style.

Planning &Organizing:

Ability to coordinate the work of others, work to tight deadlines and handle

multiple concurrent projects/activities.

Technology Awareness:

Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other

applications, e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, internal databases, Internet,

etc.

Teamwork:

Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to operate effectively across

organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective

partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multiethnic

Environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity

Scientific evaluation:

Evaluate 64 international patents

2 scientific upgrades were evaluated by him

Advisory member of the World Association of Academics in Japan

Lead scientific and administrative consultations for countries (United States

of America ,Japan, Jordan, Arab Emirates, Sultanate of Oman, Yemen)

https://icel2022.gaics.org/site/mypage.aspx?pid=111&lang=en&sid=1

401

International Conference on Education and Learning

https://hnes2022.gaics.org/site/page.aspx?pid=901&sid=1402&lang=en

International Conference on Health, Nutrition, Exercise Science, Sport,

and Hospitality Management

http://htsm2018.gaics.org/site/mypage.aspx?pid=105&lang=en&sid=11

Ali Ahmed Alawady- University of Al-Qadisiyah

Scientific links to the owner of the CV

https://qsrea.evessiocloud.com/live/en/page/judges?node_u

uid=946dc798-59d2-17e0-16ebcfb6598d9a2d&

firstname__contains&lastname__contains

1/ Journal editorial member : American Journal of Sports

Science

https://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/editorialb

oard?journalid=155

Evaluation of 3 researches in Ibero-American Journal of

Exercise and

Sports Psychology (Within Scopus containers)

2/ Journal editorial member: SAGA: Journal of Technology

and Information Systems

Evaluation of 1 researches in SAGA: Journal of Technology

https://journal.mediadigitalpublikasi.com/index.php/saga/ab

out/editorialTeam

 Member of the World Organization of Academics and

Industrialists.

https://www.gaics.org/page.aspx?pid=107&lang=en

 Senior advisory member of the USA Conferences 2022

https://icel2022.gaics.org/site/mypage.aspx?pid=111&lang=en&si

d=1401

https://hnes2022.gaics.org/site/mypage.aspx?pid=111&lang=en&

sid=1402

https://hnes2020.gaics.org/site/mypage.aspx?pid=111&lang=en&

sid=1325

https://icel2020.gaics.org/site/mypage.aspx?pid=111&lang=en&si

d=1322

https://htsm2020.gaics.org/site/mypage.aspx?pid=111&lang=en&

sid=1323

http://htsm2019.gaics.org/site/page.aspx?pid=901&sid=1255&lan

g=en

http://htsm2018.gaics.org/site/mypage.aspx?pid=111&lang=en&s

id=1193

https://qu.edu.iq/52814?fbclid=IwAR0NuXTySJM0yU3QxO9viP5Pt

P3cNbZeceZSby3KqiWWjs_9isI8Oa10FsA

Ali Ahmed Alawady- University of Al-Qadisiyah

 Member of the World Organization of Academics

and Industrialists.

https://www.gaics.org/page.aspx?pid=107&lang=en

 Senior advisory member of the USA Conferences 2022

https://icel2022.gaics.org/site/mypage.aspx?pid=111&

lang=en&sid=1401

https://hnes2022.gaics.org/site/mypage.aspx?pid=111

&lang=en&sid=1402

https://hnes2020.gaics.org/site/mypage.aspx?pid=111

&lang=en&sid=1325

https://icel2020.gaics.org/site/mypage.aspx?pid=111&

lang=en&sid=1322

https://htsm2020.gaics.org/site/mypage.aspx?pid=111

&lang=en&sid=1323

http://htsm2019.gaics.org/site/page.aspx?pid=901&sid

=1255&lang=en

http://htsm2018.gaics.org/site/mypage.aspx?pid=111

&lang=en&sid=1193

https://qu.edu.iq/52814?fbclid=IwAR0NuXTySJM0y

U3QxO9viP5PtP3cNbZeceZSby3KqiWWjs_9isI8Oa1

0FsA

https://journal.mediadigitalpublikasi.com/index.php/s

aga/about/editorialTeam

http://www.sportssciencejournal.org/editorialboard

I am a Doctor of Economic Sciences (DSc) and Professor, currently serving as Director of the Transformation Center at Tashkent State University of Economics (TSUE), Uzbekistan. My academic and professional activities focus on higher education transformation, public finance, sustainable development, ESG integration, institutional governance, and quality assurance in higher education.

I have extensive experience in international academic cooperation and actively participate in global initiatives related to responsible management education, university transformation, and sustainable development. I am engaged in Erasmus+, PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education), and other international educational and research platforms aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and advancing innovation in higher education systems.

My research interests include public finance, fiscal decentralization, taxation, sustainable economic development, educational management, and financial mechanisms supporting social sectors. I have authored numerous scientific publications and regularly contribute to international conferences, expert discussions, and academic projects.

I also serve as an international reviewer and judge for several global academic and innovation initiatives, including projects connected with QS and sustainability-focused educational programs. In recent years, I have actively served as a Judge for the QS Reimagine Education Awards and related international initiatives.

My professional mission is to support the modernization and internationalization of higher education institutions while promoting responsible leadership, academic excellence, and sustainable development principles.

Alper Utku is the founder and president of Amsterdam Tech, a higher education institution that integrates technology with leadership development to prepare students for the challenges of the digital era. Since 2015, he has led the institution’s growth, shaping a practice-oriented curriculum that connects academic learning with real-world industry needs.

He also serves as Partner and Director of Team Academy Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, an innovative Dutch University of Applied Sciences recognised for its experiential approach to entrepreneurship, leadership, and technology, where students learn through real business projects and team-based learning.

In addition, Alper is President of the Board of Trustees of European Leadership University in Cyprus, and Executive Chairman and Founding Partner of Management Centre Türkiye (MCT), a role he has held for over three decades.

Holding a Doctorate in Organisational Change and Leadership from Middlesex University, Alper brings academic rigour to his leadership practice. His experience spans advisory and leadership roles with organisations such as B for Good Leaders and Fundación Innovación Bankinter. He also serves on the advisory board of Thinkers50 and contributes to the Nederlandse AI Coalitie, reflecting his ongoing commitment to innovation, responsible leadership, and emerging technologies.

Alper is multilingual, fluent in English, Turkish, and French, with working proficiency in German and Dutch. His career is dedicated to reshaping education and leadership to meet the evolving demands of a technology-driven world.

Inspecteur de l’Enseignement moyen et secondaire expérimenté, doté d’une solide expertise pédagogique et institutionnelle. Spécialisé dans l’accompagnement des équipes éducatives, l’évaluation des pratiques professionnelles et la mise en œuvre des politiques éducatives nationales. Reconnu pour mes capacités d’analyse, de pilotage et de conseil, ainsi que pour mon sens du dialogue et de la conduite du changement. Engagé dans l’amélioration continue de la qualité de l’enseignement et de la réussite des élèves, en lien avec les enjeux d’équité, d’innovation pédagogique et de développement professionnel des enseignants.

Amanda is currently the Co-founder and CEO of STEMi Makers of Africa, a social enterprise organization in 19 African nations, UK and in the USA that boosts employment, innovation and empowered over 650,000 young Africans to be competent using its e-learning teacher-centered platform to re-imagine education through sensor technology, artificial intelligence and physical computing.

Under Amanda’s leadership, STEMi Makers of Africa secured eight (8)  high-valued partnerships with the U.S Government of State (Public Affairs State) and Mastercard Foundation that built and launched STEMi simplified computer kits and the first teacher-centered platform for more than 30,000 educators in Africa. This innovation cultivated students to gather information during science experiments, project-based work on robotics and research in engineering.

Named as the Top 20 Influential Women in technology in Africa, Amanda is a Mastery Awardee in Artificial Intelligence by the IBM, a data scientist, embedded robotics scientist and a policy expert in STEM education with more than 13 years experience in directing innovative-driven social enterprises, start-ups and complex organizations across Africa, Europe and MENA Nations. She has also served on the IEEE New Initiatives Committee, IEEE Global Public Policy and the African Union Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) in STEM Education. Owing to her contribution in Science and Technology, she was recently named a Fellow of the New York Academy of Science and leading 25 Women contributing to the evolution of Artificial Intelligence in 2025.

Amber is responsible for the delivery of U21’s Global Education strategy including delivery of all U21 student, staff and researcher programmes. She has oversight of all U21 Student Experience and Education Groups and works closely with the Educational Innovation and Student Experience Chairs to ensure delivery against U21 objectives. She also takes the lead on U21’s CRM, data strategy and EDI work.

Mrs. Ambika Hanchate, Research Scholar

Educationist | Social Activist | Blogger | Passionate Writer | Resource Person | Keynote Speaker

Current Roles

Founder & CEO – Hi-Vibe Edu India Pvt. Ltd.

Profile Summary

Mrs. Ambika Hanchate, from Haveri, Karnataka, India, is a distinguished educationist, social activist, blogger, and passionate writer. She is widely recognized as a resource person and keynote speaker for her impactful contributions to education, management, leadership, research, and social development.

Academic Qualifications

Mrs. Ambika Hanchate has an impressive academic background with qualifications in management, economics, research, and innovation. She completed her MBA in Human Resource Management from Assam Downtown University, Assam, and earned her M.A. in Economics from Alwar University, Rajasthan. She also completed her Doctorate in Management Studies (DMS) from the Indian Institute of Business Management & Studies (IIBMS), Pune. Further strengthening her academic excellence, she completed the International Innovative Program (IIP) from Eudoxia Research University, USA. She is currently pursuing her Post-Doctoral Fellowship (IIP-PDF) through Eudoxia Research University, USA, and Eudoxia Research Center, India. In addition, she is pursuing her Ph.D. in Management at Asian International University, Manipur. Along with these qualifications, she has successfully completed more than 55 professional certifications across various disciplines.

Academic Achievements

Mrs. Hanchate is a passionate researcher who has presented and participated in more than 35 multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research papers at various national and international conferences. More than 15 of her research papers have been published in ISBN research books.Her insightful educational articles have also been featured in Business Tycoon Magazine (USA) as part of a special series focusing on global educational trends and academic development.

Professional Experience

Professionally, Mrs. Ambika Hanchate serves as the Founder & CEO of Hi-Vibe Edu India Pvt. Ltd., where she actively contributes to educational innovation, skill development, and leadership initiatives. Throughout her career, she has held several prestigious positions in the education and management sectors.She previously served as the Executive Director of Jana Mana Frontline Pvt. Ltd. and as the CEO of Disha Group of Educational Institutions, where she played an important role in institutional development and academic administration. Later worked as the Skill Development & Placement Officer at Haveri University under the Government of Karnataka. In addition, she also serves as the Personal Secretary to the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Haveri University, contributing to academic coordination and administrative leadership. At present , working as Assistant Prpfessor at SVR Engineering college , Andhra Pradesh .

Achievements and Recognition

Mrs. Hanchate’s exceptional contributions to education, research, innovation, and management have earned her more than 200 national and international awards, including 10 honorary doctorates from reputed institutions and universities.She is associated with several international organizations as:

Jury Member

Advisory Board Member

Editorial Board Member

International Representative

Education Ambassador

Resource Person

Keynote Speaker

She also serves as a Research Reviewer for Eudoxia Research University, USA, and holds prestigious fellow memberships such as FMERC and FREAL, along with multiple diamond memberships in elite professional networks. Mrs. Hanchate is frequently invited as a Guest of Honour and speaker at national and international conferences, webinars, and academic forums. At the global level, she is recognized as a world-class jury member serving on more than 16 international award panels, including one of the world’s largest award platforms. In 2016, she was awarded USD 1000 in London for her remarkable contributions and achievements. She also holds more than 21 national and international records in the categories of youth achievements, literature, and education at a young age.

Amira Tarek is a Computer Science and AI educator, researcher, and innovation-driven learning designer based in the United Arab Emirates. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering. With experience teaching AP Computer Science A, Artificial Intelligence, AR/VR, and emerging technologies, Amira is passionate about transforming classrooms into spaces of creativity, inquiry, and real-world problem solving.

Her work focuses on integrating AI, VR/AR, game-based learning, and interactive technologies into education to create engaging and student-centered learning experiences. Amira has designed and led numerous workshops for educators and students on the practical integration of technology and AI in education, while also mentoring students in research, innovation competitions, and technology-focused initiatives.

Amira is recognized for developing immersive and interdisciplinary learning activities that connect computer science with real-life applications, encouraging students to think critically, innovate confidently, and explore future technologies. She is also an active speaker, researcher, and contributor to educational innovation initiatives, with a strong interest in ethical AI, student creativity, and future-ready learning environments.

Amirah Bahaaudeen is an Assistant Professor of Information Systems and Business Analytics at the University of Business and Technology. She has more than fifteen years of teaching experience in the field of information systems and business intelligence. The theme of Business Intelligence and Decision Support Systems is pervasive not only in her teaching, but in her research as well. In particular, she is interested in data analytics and data mining applications in business. She is the Assistant Dean of Postgraduates Studies in the University of Business and Technology in Jeddah where her portfolio includes managing quality and the accreditation project of postgraduate programs. 

Amit Joshi is an accomplished academician, researcher, and educator with extensive experience in teaching Economics, Management, and Soft Skills at both school and higher education levels.  With more than two decades of teaching experience, Amit Joshi has developed expertise in Economics education, experiential learning, activity-based pedagogy, and the integration of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning. He has taught diverse curricula, including international education programs, and is widely recognized for his innovative and student-centered teaching methodologies. In addition to classroom teaching, he has contributed significantly to academic research through the publication of research papers, case studies, and book chapters in national and international journals. His academic interests include educational technology, employability skills, AI-driven learning, management education, and pedagogical innovation. He has also collaborated with students and fellow researchers on several interdisciplinary research projects and publications.

As an Academic Coordinator, Amit Joshi has successfully guided institutional academic planning, teacher training initiatives, and quality enhancement programs. His work emphasizes holistic student development, communication skills, leadership, critical thinking, and professional readiness. Apart from Economics, he is also deeply involved in teaching Soft Skills, focusing on communication, personality development, emotional intelligence, leadership, teamwork, and workplace ethics. His sessions are known for blending theoretical understanding with practical application, helping students become confident, responsible, and future-ready individuals.

Amit Joshi is also a reviewer for reputed Scopus-indexed journals and has received recognition for his contributions to education, research, and academic excellence at both national and international levels.

Dr. Amornvit Vatcharaphrueksadee is an academic administrator and professor currently serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology and Digital Innovation at North Bangkok University. He holds a Ph.D. in Information and Data Science, a Master's degree in Computer Animation from the UK, and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering.

His academic and technical focus bridges computer animation and artificial intelligence. He specializes in 3D modeling and animation, as well as the study and optimization of Generative AI, Agentic AI, and Large Language Models. Within higher education, he actively implements Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and Micro-credentialing frameworks. His professional engagements include organizing the upcoming 16th Benjamitr National and International Academic Conference and serving as a moderator for the Thailand Cloud and Datacenter Convention.

Outside of his academic career, Dr. Amornvit also manages couple of brands of restaurants in Thailand.

Amy is an educator, lecturer and researcher. Her research focus is in engineering education and professional identity. She is passionate about student success and teaching innovation and has worked in higher education across a number of undergraduate and postgraduate engineering units in Australia.

Amy Ng is an educator and social practice artist with over 15 years of experience exploring the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable creative practice. Her career spans work with students and practitioners from around the world, bringing a unique perspective to career development that bridges creative practice, technical innovation, business strategy, and educational design.

Amy holds a Master's degree with Distinction in Arts Pedagogy and Practice from Goldsmiths, University of London, where her research focused on creative entrepreneurship pedagogy and its effects on student motivation and engagement. She has worked with over 3,500 creative practitioners across 35 countries, with her students going on to establish successful creative businesses spanning graphic design, illustration, design consulting, and arts entrepreneurship. Central to her approach was teaching creatives to develop tangible artifacts such as publications, products, and platforms, as ways to test ideas, find their audience, and build viable markets.

Amy's expertise lies in helping students approach their careers not as linear paths, but as portfolios of practice that evolve through experimentation and strategic development. Her own career exemplifies this philosophy as she has navigated roles spanning publishing, marketing, curriculum development, and platform creation, while continuously experimenting with new models for sustainable creative practice. Her work in social practice art demonstrated this artifact-driven approach in action such as creating zines, collaborative publications and projects, alongside community-building platforms and courses that functioned as both artistic practice and viable business models.

Drawing from her own journey of experimentation and portfolio career building, she guides students in understanding how to navigate uncertainty, identify their core capabilities, and create career roadmaps that remain adaptable in rapidly changing professional landscapes. Her approach emphasizes the creative and strategic thinking required to design fulfilling careers; treating career development itself as an iterative design process that values self-awareness, experimentation, and continuous learning.

Ana Gaby Rodríguez is an Educational Innovation Leader at Tecnológico de Monterrey with more than 20 years of experience in educational technology, learning design, and academic innovation. She holds a degree in Systems, a Master’s in Education, and a Master’s in Information Technologies, complemented by certifications in Leadership, Professional Coaching, and Public Speaking through the John Maxwell Team.

Throughout her career, she has led multidisciplinary and high-performance teams, driving the design, implementation, and scaling of innovative learning experiences that integrate emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Extended Reality (XR), Virtual Reality (VR), and immersive learning environments.

Her work focuses on transforming education through technology-enhanced learning, authentic assessment, experiential learning, and the development of future-ready skills. She has led internationally recognized and award-winning educational innovation projects, collaborating with faculty and academic leaders across the Schools of Engineering and Sciences, Business, Humanities and Education, Medicine and Health Sciences, Architecture, Art and Design, and Social Sciences and Government. These initiatives have impacted thousands of students and faculty members through scalable and interdisciplinary learning experiences.

An active contributor to the field, Ana Gaby has authored and co-authored more than 12 publications on educational innovation, learning models, immersive technologies, XR, and AI in education. She regularly disseminates research findings, best practices, and innovation outcomes through international conferences, academic forums, and professional networks across Europe and Latin America.

In addition to her institutional role, she is an international speaker, consultant, and executive coach, supporting organizations and leaders in areas related to leadership development, innovation, team performance, and organizational growth.

Andrew Conlan-Trant has been Chair of Dublin Business School since 2024, having spent the eight years prior to that as President of the College.  He is also Vice President of International Business Development for Kaplan International, a global education and training company. 

Having held leadership positions in a number of businesses over his career, Andrew has skill and experience in leadership, governance, strategy and operational implementation, some of which was gained in the health and social care sector. 

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Higher Diploma in Education from the University of Galway, and a Masters in Management from Queen’s University Belfast.  He is an accredited Chartered Director of the Institute of Directors.   

He was appointed in 2025 by the Irish Minister for Health to the governing Council of CORU, the Irish Health & Social Care Regulator.   In 2026 he was also appointed by SOLAS, the state agency responsible for Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland, as the Independent Chair of the Programme Board for the Electrical Craft Apprenticeship.

Angela is dedicated to innovative teaching methods, leveraging digital technologies to engage students effectively. She has pioneered digital escape rooms, augmented reality experiences, and interactive mobile apps to enhance student participation in learning. Specializing in digital marketing, Angela's research and teaching focus on mobile apps and mobile marketing. Previously at Leeds Beckett University, she developed the UK's inaugural Sport Marketing and Public Relations degree program, renowned for its excellence nationally and internationally. Angela has worked with many prominent sports organizations, facilitating opportunities for her students to apply their expertise. Angela's international engagements include collaborations with institutions in Egypt and training for the Josoor Institute in Qatar, aimed at enhancing marketing capacity for major events like the 2022 Football World Cup. Angela won silver in the learning assessment category of the QS Reimagine Education Awards in 2025.

Professor Angelos Stefanidis is the Founding Dean of the School of AI and Advanced Computing at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China. He is an experienced academic leader with a long record of international partnership development, large-scale programme innovation, and strategic research growth across AI, digital health, IoT and computing. His career spans senior roles in the UK and China, with achievements in transnational education, industry collaboration, and large research initiatives. A Chartered IT Professional and Fellow of the HEA, he has chaired major reviews, led accreditation processes, and contributed extensively to global higher education development.

Anila DeHart is an Advisor, Researcher, and Executive Educator on education-workforce coordination and future-of-work. She examines coordination mechanisms that enable sustainable education-workforce partnerships and equitable pathways from learning to meaningful work. Current collaborations include Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) on university-employer partnership infrastructure and the University of Oxford's AI in Education (AIEOU) 2026 Shared Research Agenda on Future of Education, Work and Institutions.

With twenty years at Deloitte, most recently as Global Managing Director leading talent strategy and workforce transformations for 500,000+ professionals globally, Anila brings deep expertise in future-ready skills systems and organisational change at scale. Her career began in higher education, teaching at universities in Central Europe and as a Fulbright scholar in US, and leading organisational development and strategic recruitment at the University of Arizona.

Anila serves as Executive Coach and Leadership Facilitator at Headspring Executive (Financial Times-IE Business School joint venture). She regularly briefs industry forums on transformation and skills development, and advocates for societal equity through initiatives supporting career advancement for youth and underprivileged groups.

Dr. Anita Rao Mysore is an educational researcher in Bengaluru, India. She is with the UNESCO Chair on Wellbeing, Equity/Inclusion, and Education (WEE) Research Collaborative, University of Minnesota, USA. She serves as a reviewer for the international journal, Action in Teacher Education. Her thirty-plus years of work experiences includes teaching in India as an associate professor at Christ University, and as a senior faculty at Indus Training & Research Institute; and in the US as an assistant professor at University of Wisconsin-Parkside and as a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Anita Rao Mysore’s research and writing are in the areas of multicultural education and teacher education.

Anna Gandrabura is an edtech entrepreneur and AI fluency coach, founder of English For IT™ — a global language and software skills training company for tech professionals — and Techville, an executive coaching practice helping professionals with AI adoption. She works at the intersection of education, AI, and human performance, designing programs that drive real-world results.

I am a highly experienced academic leader with extensive expertise as Teaching Director, Programme Director, and Module Leader. My work focuses on pedagogical innovation, curriculum transformation, and enhancing the student experience, particularly in relation to transition, induction, and digital disruption in higher education. I am strongly committed to inclusive and internationally engaged teaching, with a track record of leading initiatives that strengthen student recruitment, widen participation, and expand global learning opportunities. My research interests centre on pedagogy, curriculum design, and the role of innovation in improving student belonging and academic outcomes.

Dr. Anna Zeis is Director of Learning Innovation at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, where she designs learning experiences that prepare leaders and instructors not just to use AI, but to lead with it. Her work sits at the intersection of educational psychology, student-centric learning design, and the human dimensions of technological change - grounded in the conviction that the most urgent task in education today is developing what no algorithm can replace.

Recognised early for exceptional scholarship, Dr. Zeis received the Polish Academy of Sciences Award for her doctoral thesis - awarded for best scientific work in managerial science - as well as the PRELUDIUM Grant from Poland's National Science Centre and a Young Scholars Research Grant. Her commitment to teaching has been equally distinguished: she holds a Rector's Award for Teaching Excellence (Didactical Innovation) from Kozminski University and was nominated for the Universitätspreis at the University of Cologne. Her academic formation extends to executive education at Columbia Business School, the University of Pennsylvania, and other leading institutions.

Her international career spans research, program leadership, and institutional transformation across continents. Before joining WHU, she was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cologne, deepening her expertise in management theory under scholarly mentorship. Prior to that, as Deputy Dean and Director of the International Management Program at Kozminski University, she co-led a full business school transformation - redesigning curriculum, driving student engagement, forging industry partnerships, and building exchange networks with global institutions. She held visiting positions at Singapore Management University, Universität St. Gallen, and HULT International Business School in Boston. 

Most recently, a UN-Certified Academic Leadership Suite participant, Dr. Zeis moderated and led workshops at the AI Summit 2026 in Berlin, designed and facilitated a human-centred AI workshops for staff, faculty, students and alumni of WHU, and was featured in a Handelsblatt interview (2026) on human skills in the age of AI - a conversation increasingly central to her work and to the field. 

As a judge for the QS Reimagine Education Awards, she brings a practitioner's rigour and a researcher's critical eye to evaluating what genuinely transforms learning outcomes. She believes the future of education lies in cultivating the capacities that make us distinctly human: adaptive leadership, creativity, critical thinking, and the resilience to act with clarity in uncertain times.

Dr. Anne Caroline Castillo brings over a decade of experience in higher education, combining expertise in nursing, academic leadership, and quality assurance. Holding a master’s degree in nursing and a Doctorate in Educational Management, she has made significant contributions to both teaching and administration, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to academic excellence.

Throughout her career, she has held key leadership roles such as Academic Coordinator for the College of Nursing, Institutional Planning Officer, and Quality Assurance Director. In these capacities, she has honed her skills in management, strategic planning, and accreditation, driving initiatives that elevate educational standards and improve student outcomes.

Alongside her administrative work, Dr. Castillo has extensive teaching experience and has been actively involved in curriculum development for undergraduate programs. Her dedication to education is reflected in her innovative teaching approaches and her passion for mentoring students, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and values needed to thrive in their professional careers.

Professor Annis Lai Chu FUNG is a distinguished scholar whose research focuses on school bullying, child and adolescent aggression, student suicide, young people's mental health, and evidence-based counselling interventions. Her pioneering adoption of the two-factor model in school bullying has led to innovative interventions targeting reactive and proactive aggression, significantly reducing aggressive behaviours in over 70,000 students across more than 200 schools, including 20,000 high-risk individuals. Her work boasts the largest dataset globally in this field. Professor Fung has received numerous accolades, including the QS Reimagine Education Silver Winner Award from UPenn Wharton School, the HERO University Leader Award from Auburn University, and multiple awards for Teaching Excellence, Research Impact, and Knowledge Transfer at CityU, underscoring her global and local impact in research and teaching. Her average Teaching and Learning Questionnaire (TLQ) score of 4.7 out of 5.0 frequently places her among the top 5% of educators recognized by the Provost at CityU.

Her research has catalysed substantial policy changes and educational practices worldwide. Her anti-bullying strategies, adopted by the Hong Kong Education Bureau (EDB) and featured on its official website, have been implemented across diverse regions, including the US, Europe, and Asia. As Chair for the Chief Executive Award for Teaching Excellence in Counselling and Guidance at EDB and Convenor for Student Suicide policies in the Child Fatality Review Panel at the Social Welfare Department (SWD), she has significantly influenced educational and social welfare frameworks. Additionally, as an Expert Advisor, she contributes to the review and enhancement of the policy on the Three-Tier School-Based Emergency Mechanism for student suicide at the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Besides, since 2012, she has trained over 4,000 police officers on youth aggression and violence at the Hong Kong Police Force. Moreover, she serves as the Panel Chair at the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ).

Professor Fung's mentorship has cultivated exceptional scholars who have achieved remarkable success in academia. Her notable alumni include Post-doctoral Fellows at Tsinghua University and Nanyang Technological University, an Assistant Professor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and a Visiting Fellow at King’s College London. These graduates exemplify the high calibre of her Ph.D. students, demonstrating the profound impact of her guidance and expertise. One student, who graduated from Peking University and University College London, successfully achieved the Hong Kong Ph.D. Fellowship Award.

With over HK$ 20.7 million (US$ 2.6 million) in research funding, including seven General Research Fund (GRF; PI: 4 & Co-I: 3), for Children At-Risk Education (CARE) Lab and Cyber-Joy Enjoy Lab, as well as over 80 top-tier publications and over 200 invited speeches, published interviews, press conferences, on-air radio and television programs. Professor Fung continues to inspire and attract elite Ph.D. candidates globally. Her work offers them the opportunity to engage in transformative research and contribute to societal advancement. Her findings have been disseminated through workshops, press conferences, and international conferences, promoting evidence-based interventions and practices worldwide. 

Anthony Berryhill, 2026 Stevie Award winner and Oxford World Leaders Summit keynote speaker, brings verified judging experience across five international programs — Stevie Awards APAC and MENA, Business Intelligence Group AI Awards, Employee Happiness Awards KSA, Telly Awards, and Communicator Awards. As Harvard instructional staff, Stanford alumnus, and Yale doctoral candidate, he evaluates pedagogy at the highest academic level. His 20+ years designing outcome-driven education methodology and global L&D transformations at PIMCO and GLG give him a rigorous lens for identifying and assessing genuine innovation.

Antonio Boada is an Investigador Asociado recognized by MinCiencias in Colombia and a Full-Time Professor and Researcher at CEIPA, powered by ASU. He holds a Magister in Finance from IESA, a Specialization in Computational Statistics from Universidad Simón Bolívar (USB), and a Bachelor in Education from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello (UCAB). With over 30 years of experience in higher education and 15 years as a corporate consultant, he specializes in quantitative methodologies, demand planning, and supply chain management. Boada is distinguished for developing hybrid statistical models that combine classical frequentist methods with Dynamic Bayesian Linear Models (MLDB) to optimize real-time forecasting and corporate valuation. As a pedagogical innovator, he leads the SIGMA Research Seedbed and the Prospective Line at CEIPA, where he has rigorously proven the parity of professional competencies between virtual and face-to-face education models through the analysis of Colombia's Saber Pro tests. Furthermore, he is a pioneer in the responsible integration of Generative AI in higher education, leading the development of UBI, a virtual assistant trained to enhance critical thinking and complex problem-solving in students. Boada has authored more than 40 indexed scientific articles and over 10 books derived from research projects, and he holds an international certification in Quantitative Risk Management (CQRM).

Dr. Anuradha R. Tiwary serves as the Academic Director, India  at Cintana Education. In her role, she works closely with partner universities to expand their portfolio of international academic programs, ensuring a transformative and impactful student experience that will enhance their differentiation, academic quality and institutional reputation. 

With over two decades of experience as an academician, researcher, and administrator, Dr. Tiwary holds a PhD in Economics, a Master’s in Commerce, and an MBA in Advertising and Public Relations. She has also earned specialized certifications in Gender Studies (University of Delhi) and Academic Practices (Lancaster University, UK).

Her previous leadership roles include appointments at esteemed institutions such as GD Goenka University, GD Goenka World Institute–Lancaster University (UK | India), and the UNDP–Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (IICPSD, India). She has been instrumental in facilitating academic program delivery in collaboration with international university partners.

Dr. Tiwary has held key academic and administrative positions including Registrar, Dean–Academics, Head of Undergraduate Programs, and Professor of Management. In these roles, she has led institutional quality assurance efforts and spearheaded international academic collaborations.

Her academic accomplishments are extensive, encompassing a substantial body of publications, supervision of doctoral theses and leadership of  funded research  and consultancy projects.

April St. John is a distinguished and results-oriented leader in the higher education sector, offering over 20 years of specialized experience in strategy, operations, and the advancement of graduate enrollment management. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to student success, underpinned by a sophisticated understanding of the operational frameworks required to drive institutional growth.

Arome Ibrahim is an immersive technologist, researcher, and advisor to startups and tech ecosystems, focused on driving positive change across Africa. He is the Research and Program Director at Immersive Tech Africa, a social impact initiative dedicated to making Extended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies accessible across Africa.

Arome’s work in immersive technology and innovation has been recognized internationally. He is a recipient of the Next Economy Entrepreneurship Hero and Impact Awards, supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His project Virtuality Africa, a virtual reality museum that highlights contemporary African art and culture, won the Digital Lab Africa #5 XR Award and was selected for the New Dimensions Lab by Electric South, with support from the Ford Foundation.

He has also been recognized as one of the Top 50 Voices in VR, AR, and 3D by Threedium in 2021 and was chosen as one of the 10 Emerging African Creators by Garage Stories and the NewImages Festival in Paris. Arome has spoken at major international events such as AWE EU, Global XR Conference, WebXR Summit, Qatar XR Summit, and Laval Virtual Paris, where he shared his views on immersive technologies and their impact on building more inclusive and forward-looking ecosystems.

A Multi Award Winning Google, Apple and Moodle Certified Education Industry professional, carrying 20 years of experience in E-Learning, Academic Operations and Training.

A decade experience comes in the educational space with prominent brands and Institutions across India, UK and Middle East.

Certifications:

Google Gemini Certified Educator 2025

Moodle MEQ Certified by Moodle HQ Australia 2025

Google Certified in Generative AI for Educators 2024

Apple Certified Teacher October 2023

Moodle MEC Certified by Moodle HQ Australia 2020

Awards and Recognition:

Times Higher Education Awards 2023

Winner - Digital Innovation of the Year @ Times Higher Education Awards

Moodle:

- MEQ Certified 2025 Moodle HQ

- MEC Certified 2020 Moodle HQ

- Speaker - Moodle Head Quarters at Moodle Moot HQ 2019, Australia

QS Reimagine Education Awards USA:

- Silver Winner 2018

- Bronze Winner 2016

- International Judge 2021

- International Judge 2019

- International Judge 2018

- International Judge 2017

BETT SHOW:

- Winner- First Prize - Excellence in Leadership in Higher Education 2018- Bett MENA

- Speaker, Bett Show London 2018

WORLD EDUCATION SUMMIT:

- Winner - Leading University in Middle East and Asia WES Dubai 2025

- Winner - Excellence in Medical Education WES 2024 Delhi

- Winner - Most Innovative Medical University in Middle East - WES 2023 Dubai

- Key Speaker @ World Education Summit Dubai 2023

- Gold Award Winner - WES 2017 hosted by the Minister of Education, Bahrain

- Award Winner- 2013

- International Speaker 2019

- International Speaker 2018

- International Speaker 2017

Global Leadership Awards

-E-Learning Visionary of the Year 2025 award

GESS Dubai

- Finalist 2021

- Finalist 2019

- Finalist 2017

Smart SMB Conference and Awards 2019, Bahrain

-Winner - Best Digital Transformation in Education 2019

-Keynote Speaker 2019

Core capabilities Include, Business and Project development and management. End to End Implementation and Support. Strategic planning and implementation.

Arshiya Kapoor Head of Department – Fashion | MIT Institute of Design, Pune

Arshiya Kapoor is a design educator, industry practitioner, and international juror with over two decades of experience spanning fashion manufacturing, quality assurance, and design pedagogy. She currently serves as Head of the Fashion Department at MIT Institute of Design, MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune, where she has been shaping the next generation of designers for over ten years.

Arshiya holds a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, a Postgraduate Diploma in Apparel Production Technology, and a Master's degree in Fashion Design. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Visual Metaphors in Design — reflecting her continued commitment to advancing design scholarship.

Before entering academia, Arshiya built a strong foundation in the Indian fashion industry, leading functions in product development, garment manufacturing technology, and quality assurance. She served as Head of Technical and Quality and later as Manager of Factory Operations, and conducted technical audits for renowned brands in the United Kingdom and the United States, ensuring compliance with international standards including SA 8000 and WRAP.

At MIT Institute of Design, she teaches core disciplines including Design Process, Pattern Making and Draping, Construction, Quality Control, Material Sustainability in Fashion, and Slow Fashion. Her pedagogy centres on authentic, student-driven learning environments that connect creative thinking with professional rigour.

A respected voice in the global design community, Arshiya has served as a juror for the Global Footwear Awards for five consecutive years, evaluating international submissions across innovation, sustainability, and design excellence. She is also a registered juror with the A' Design Award and Competition, and a Subject Matter Expert for Tata Consultancy, where she reviews curricula and sets industry-aligned assessments.

Arshiya was recognised as one of the 50 Women in Education Leaders (2022) and received the InSc Young Researcher Award (2021). Her academic publications span design education, slow fashion, craft sustainability, and ethnographic research methods, with work presented at international conferences including DesignEd Asia and Cumulus Budapest.

Arul Kaveeswarar is at present the Senior Section Officer in the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Woxsen University monitoring the Institutional Effectiveness of the programs offered by the university across seven schools and liaising officer for government compliance and accreditation bodies. He comes with a career spanning over a decade in higher education beginning his career as an Assistant Professor and later transitioning to higher education university administration. He has experience of working with various institutions across three continents and an active luminary in the field of higher education and development. 

Arunkumar Thirunagalingam is a research-focused technology professional specializing in AI Engineering, Data Engineering, Data Governance, and Enterprise Data Management. With over 15 years of experience, he has contributed extensively to the development of intelligent data systems within the financial and healthcare sectors. He currently serves as Senior Manager – Data and Technical Operations at McKesson Corporation, where he leads initiatives in AI-driven automation, cloud modernization, and enterprise analytics.

His research interests include explainable AI, machine learning for data quality, scalable governance frameworks, and intelligent automation for enterprise platforms. Arunkumar has authored multiple research publications in international journals covering areas such as federated learning, AI-driven governance, data integration, sustainable data engineering, and advanced analytics. As an IEEE Senior Member, he actively contributes to the research and technical community through peer reviews, conference participation, and evaluation activities.

His expertise spans AI/ML technologies, metadata management, cloud platforms, enterprise data architecture, and regulatory compliance. Through his work, Arunkumar continues to advance reliable, scalable, and data-driven solutions that support innovation, operational efficiency, and responsible technology adoption.

15+ years in higher education building institutional branding, stakeholder engagement, and alumni initiatives that strengthen community and reputation. Skilled in digital engagement, cross-functional collaboration, and relationship management, with a strong focus on advancing institutional growth, partnerships, and long-term stakeholder engagement objectives.

Associate Professor Chand is an internationally awarded educator, journalist, trainer and collaborator with over 40 years of combined experience in international leadership, academia, journalism, news/newsroom and media management. She leverages the power of journalism, education, communication and media to foster an informed society while nurturing students who go on to make significant contributions towards creating a better world through their work. 

Her global leadership in promoting transformative education and collaboration with industry and university partners has resulted in several successful projects. In 2024 she was awarded $459,339 from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to tackle critical development challenges in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Dr Chand established a global network and mentored 12 academic fellows from Western Sydney University’s (WSU) partner institutions across India, Indonesia, and Fiji focusing on ethical, responsible journalism and digital media storytelling to improve grassroots livelihoods.

On July 23, 2025, she was recognised for keeping India's flag high overseas, at the Library of Congress, Washington DC, USA with a gold medal and prize. On January 25, 2023, she received the Nav Rattan (nine jewels) of India, in Delhi, on the eve of India's republic day and was among nine people from a diaspora of several million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) across the globe to receive this honour for her work in journalism, media and teaching.
Dr Chand was similarly recognised for her journalism and research at the House of Commons in London in October, 2018 with the Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Samman award, followed by the 2019 Hind Rattan (Jewel of India) in Delhi.
She has won two Australian national awards for excellence in tertiary teaching and a Vice Chancellor’s excellence in teaching award for her role in developing hybrid online courses at WSU. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK, (2020) a Fellow of Badugulang, a WSU Centre for Excellence in University Teaching and Learning.

Her research work has been published as book chapters and in international and national journals. Her PhD research titled Migration, Matchmaking and the Media: Fiji Indians in Sydney addresses global challenges of migration and political discourse, specifically relating to marginalised communities. Her research can be found here: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2989-2105

Dr Chand's foray into the international education landscape began in 2016 through the New Colombo Plan (Australian govt) funding. She took a group of students to Nepal on a study tour to report on the aftermath of the 2015 earthquakes. She led a similar study tour to Fiji in 2017 and one to West Bengal, India, in 2018.
In November 2025 she led a similar tour for two weeks of immersion at Bennett University in Delhi and Chitkara University in Punjab. Her students published and broadcast their works in local, national and international media. This included writing breaking news stories and being published on the front page of The Australian

Ashish is a certified AI practitioner with 14 years of international experience spanning business consulting, artificial intelligence, supply chain management, and EdTech consulting. He is currently working with UKG managing the post live consulting services of the UKG Pro WFM (B2B SaaS) and leaning the AI Practice within the managed services India vertical. He had also worked with leading organizations such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Accenture, Nokia, Su-Kam, and Jakson Group, working across diverse geographies including Sweden, China, the UK, and India.

With extensive experience in managing consulting and functional operations within GCC and GBS environments, Ashish has successfully led teams of over 35 members and has served more than 50 global clients, consistently achieving over 95% in both Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) and Overall Satisfaction (OSAT) scores. His diverse expertise and global perspective enable him to drive innovation, operational excellence, and business transformation through AI and strategic consultancy.

His expertise extends to mentoring and he is a certified NexGen Mentor and is also a Mentor of Change for Atal Innovation Mission, an initiative by NITI Aayog, the think tank of the Government of India. Ashish has been instrumental in bridging the gap between academia and industry. In his endeavors, he has positively impacted over 100,000 students in over 200 institutions across India, especially the higher education segment which includes prestigious institutions like IIMs, IITs, and DU. 

Ashish has received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions. He was the first Indian to be awarded the prestigious Paul Fletcher Award in 2014 by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)-UK in London. He has also been honored with the Karamveer Chakra Award, 40 Under 40- High Impact Manager Award, Green India Award and over 100 other awards for his initiatives in youth empowerment, green advocacy and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Ashish is actively involved with various NGOs, including Enactus, Energy Swaraj Foundation, The Institution of Green Engineers and Connecting Dreams Foundation. He volunteers and mentors in these organizations, leveraging his expertise and experience to make a positive impact.

Education-wise, Ashish completed his B.Tech in Electronics and Communications Engineering and also pursued a Certification Program in Business Management from the prestigious IIT Bombay. He holds multiple certifications in domain such as Gen AI, digital marketing, supply chain and lean Six Sigma.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Balaraman is a senior academic and research management professional with over 20 years of experience spanning university teaching, research administration, innovation management, and strategic institutional development. His expertise integrates pharmacology, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutical sciences with extensive leadership in research governance, grant management, commercialization, and academic quality enhancement.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ashok has played a pivotal role in strengthening institutional research ecosystems by leading initiatives in research policy, ethics and compliance, publication strategy, external funding acquisition, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He has successfully managed internal and external research grants, coordinated academic publishing initiatives, supported faculty and student research development, and facilitated high-impact national and international partnerships.

Dr. Ashok has organized and led numerous academic conferences, workshops, faculty development programmes, and research capacity-building initiatives. His strategic interests include global research policy alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNESCO and WHO frameworks, research integrity systems, digital research infrastructure, AI integration in higher education, and open-access research ecosystems.

In addition to his administrative and leadership roles, he continues to contribute actively to academic scholarship, editorial activities, and international research collaborations. His broad multidisciplinary expertise, combined with his experience in research evaluation, innovation management, and institutional strategy, positions him well to contribute meaningfully as a judge for international higher education and innovation awards.

Hi there I am Dr. Shaik Asif Hussain, Associate Professor and Head of the Centre for Research and Consultancy at Middle East College, Muscat, Oman, where I have been serving since 2015. I also hold the role of Technology Transfer Officer, working at the interface of academic research and industry innovation. With over 15 years of experience in higher education across Oman, the United Kingdom, and India, my expertise spans Artificial Intelligence, Digital Signal and Image Processing, Biomedical Engineering, Embedded Systems, and the Internet of Things. I am an elevated Senior Member of IEEE and have published over 52 journal papers and 36 international conference papers, with an H-index of 11, 6 patents, 3 copyright, and books published with Springer, IGI Global, and Nova Publishers. I have successfully secured research grants as Principal Investigator from Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI) formerly known as The Research Council of Oman (TRC), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the Department of Science and Technology, India (DST-SERB). I am currently serving as General Chair and Keynote Speaker for IEEE ICNDEMAC-2027 in the 1st International Conference on Nano-Devices, Emerging Materials for Advanced Computing and previously served as Technical Programme Chair for IEEE ICADAAI 2026. I hold a Ph.D. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (2015) and a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Professional Practice from Coventry University, UK. I am passionate about technology transfer, research commercialisation, and mentoring the next generation of engineers and researchers. Feel free to connect if you share interests in AI, IoT, Biomedical Engineering, or Emerging Technologies. 

I am an Advisor to the Rector on Quality Assurance at Baku State University (BSU), where I lead initiatives that strengthen internal QA systems, enhance institutional performance, and support the university’s strategic internationalization efforts. With a PhD in Economics and an M.A. in Education Policy and Leadership from The George Washington University, my work bridges academic research, policy design, and practical implementation in higher education.

As an Associate Professor and lecturer, I am committed to advancing student-centered learning, staff development, and evidence-based decision-making. My research focuses on QA systems, labor market alignment, and institutional capacity-building—areas that directly contribute to improving the quality and relevance of higher education in Azerbaijan.

I also serve as a Member of the Advisory Council of AASHE, supporting global conversations on sustainability and the SDGs. I work actively on university rankings and benchmarking processes, ensuring BSU’s visibility and competitiveness within the global higher education landscape.

Across all my roles—as a researcher, educator, advisor, and expert—I am driven by a single goal: to help build higher education environments that are accountable, innovative, internationally connected, and responsive to societal needs.

Key Areas of Expertise:

• Quality Assurance in Higher Education

• Education Policy & Leadership

• Sustainable Development (SDGs)

• Internationalisation & Global Partnerships

• University Rankings & Performance Metrics

• Curriculum Reform & Student-Centered Learning

• Institutional Strategy & Governance

Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Aslina Baharum

Head of SGI Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia (HFEM)

The Design School, Faculty of Innovation & Technology,

Taylor’s University, Malaysia

Aslina.Baharum@taylors.edu.my

Area of Expertise: User Experience (UX)/ User Interface (UI), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)/ Interaction Design, Product & Service Design, Software Engineering & Mobile Development, Information Visualization & Analytics, Multimedia, Information and Communication Technology, Information System, Software Engineering and Entre/Technopreneurship

Brief Introduction: Ts. Dr. Aslina holds the position of Associate Professor in The Design School, Faculty of Innovation & Technology at Taylor’s University. Previously, she has served as Associate Professor at the Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University and Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences in Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and as a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Computing and Informatics in Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), where she led the User Experience (UX) research group. Completing her academic journey, she also brings valuable industry experiences as a former Information Technology (IT) Officer at the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM). She had experienced more than 20 years in the IT field.

She earned her PhD in Visual Informatics  from UKM, a Master Science degree in IT from UiTM, and Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in E-Commerce from UMS. Dr. Aslina is an active member of the Young Scientists Network - Academy of Science Malaysia, where she served as Executive Committee (EXCO) 2024/2025 and 2020/2021 (Chair of Policy and Governance Working Group), a Senior Member IEEE, and a certified Professional Technologist recognized by MBOT. She has further contributed to the field by serving as an auditor for MBOT/MQA.

She has received medals at research and innovation showcases and has been honored with awards for her teaching, excellence in service, and outstanding contributions as a researcher. Her bibliography showcases her prolific output, including co-authored and co-edited books, over 40 book chapters, technical papers presented at conferences, and more than 80 peer-reviewed and indexed journals publications. She has also taken on editorial roles for several journals and actively participated as a committee member, session chair, and part of editorial board/ teams while actively participating as a reviewer. Dr. Aslina has graced numerous conferences with her wisdom, delivering keynote speeches, invited speakers and plenary talks/ sessions.

Her research interests span a wide spectrum, encompassing User Experience (UX)/ User Interface (UI), AI-UX, HCI/ Interaction Design, User Research, Product & Service Design, Software Engineering & Mobile Development, Information Visualization & Analytics, Multimedia, ICT, IS and Entre/ Technopreneurship. Dr. Aslina’s expertise extends beyond the academic realm; she imparts her knowledge through workshops and talks on various subjects, including UI/UX, Entrepreneurship, Video/Image Editing, E-Commerce/Digital Marketing, STEM, Design Thinking and etc.

Furthermore, she is certified as a Professional Entrepreneurial Educator, Executive Entrepreneurial Leader, and HRDF Professional Trainer, which highlights her strong commitment to education and entrepreneurship. Dr. Aslina is highly regard in her field, dedicated and consistently pushing the boundaries of knowledge and sharing her wealth of expertise with others.

Dr. Asma is an Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics and currently serves as an Advisor in the Office of the President at King Saud University. She is also the Vice Chair of the English Language Skills Department. Her research interests include language assessment, academic writing, discourse analysis, and educational research. Throughout her academic career, she has made significant scholarly contributions through research, publications, conference presentations, and research leadership initiatives. Her commitment to research excellence has also been recognized at the institutional level through multiple King Saud University Research Excellence Awards for her outstanding contributions to research and publication in high-impact journals.

Aziz Mimoudi, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor and Co-founder of the Institute of Education Sciences (ISE), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Morocco, where he serves as Coordinator of the Technopedagogy and AI Axis. His research focuses on the design, implementation, and impact of AI-driven learning systems, with particular emphasis on their integration into educational practice and academic research.

At ISE, as Assistant Professor, he teaches and co-supervises predoctoral and Ph.D. students, with an emphasis on AI-enhanced methodologies and innovation in teaching. He currently co-leads an R&D project with the Africa Business School to design an AI-assisted platform for sustainable business model innovation and systems thinking, and coordinates an ERASMUS+ project, which develops educational programs promoting AI, computational thinking, and inclusive practices in Moroccan schools.

Mimoudi is the developer of the AIA-PCEK framework (Artificial Intelligence Agent for Pedagogical Content and Ethical Knowledge), which extends existing models to support the responsible integration of AI in education. This framework informs course design, assessment strategies, and the development of AI-supported learning environments.

He is affiliated with international research organizations including CRIEVAT (Université Laval) and CERIC (Canada), contributing to academic and research initiatives in career development.

I am a Professor of Pathology, Galala University and at the Faculty of Medicine, Port Said University, Egypt. 

A highly distinguished academic and medical professional, with extensive leadership experience and have served multiple terms as the head of the Pathology department at the Faculty of Medicine in both Port Said University and Bani Suef University.

Referee in the Professors and Assistant Professors' Promotions Scientific Committee in the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education.

Over two decades of experience in both clinical practice and education, I am an expert in Pathological Assessment of Surgical Biopsies and Cytological Specimens. 

The technical expertise includes specialized training in Immunohistochemistry for protein localization at the University of Colorado Health Science Center in the USA.

Being a dedicated leader in Medical Education, I have been actively participating in curriculum development and quality assurance, including serving as an Executive Director of the Quality Unit at Sinai University.

Served as a judge for the esteemed QS Reimagine Education Awards 2025. Furthermore, I have contributed to research in medical education, publishing work on utilizing Project-based Learning for curricular integration.

Dr. Babu P. K. is an academic and educational administrator with over three decades of experience in Higher Education. He has held major leadership roles including Head of Department, Principal, Founder Principal, and Dean (Quality Assurance), and has served on various academic bodies such as Boards of Studies and Academic Councils. He is currently Director (Academics) at BenchMark International School, Chief Editor of Singularities Journal, a NAAC Peer Team Member, and an Honorary Member of the Malappuram Chamber of Commerce. A panel judge for the global QS Reimagine Education Awards (2023–2025), his professional interests span teaching, skill training, faculty development, academic and research writing, English language coaching, institution building, and quality consultancy for Higher Education.

Prof. Dr. Bahar Baran is a full professor of Educational Technology at Dokuz Eylül University, where she also serves as the Director of the Distance Education Center. Since beginning her academic career as a research assistant, she has advanced through the ranks of assistant and associate professor, specializing in instructional design, multimedia development, distance education, and digital learning environments for both children and lifelong learning. Her research focuses on the integration of emerging technologies—such as virtual and augmented reality—into sustainable and innovative learning environments. She has led numerous national and international projects, including the QS Reimagination 2025  (silver award) with Sustainable Hybrid Learning Space: The Meta Class Model.

Prof. Baran is actively involved in European collaborations, particularly within Erasmus+ programs and nationally supported TÜBİTAK projects. Her Erasmus+ projects include E-DigiLit: Enhancing Digital Literacy of University Students, Consortium of Distance Education Centers – Learning Mobility of Individuals, and Pedagogy of Teaching Coding to Children, among others.

Her recent national projects focus on innovative digital pedagogies and include: Gamification-Supported Awareness and Digital Content Development for the Dissemination of Sustainable Development Goals; a project on Teaching Online Health Literacy to Address Infertility-Related Reproductive Issues in University Students; the Design and Development of a Virtual Reality Application for Teaching Social Sciences to Middle School Students; and the creation of a Multimedia-Enhanced E-book on Climate Change for Middle School Children.

Bakhtiyar Badalov is an international relations expert with extensive experience in higher education, research innovation, and global academic cooperation. He holds a PhD in International Relations from Baku State University and a Master’s degree in Political Science from Lund University (Sweden), specializing in European Affairs. He currently serves as Head of the Research and Development Department at Azerbaijan Technical University, where he drives institutional research strategy, advances innovation ecosystems, and builds high-impact partnerships between academia, industry, and international stakeholders. In parallel, he contributes to academic excellence as a lecturer in Research Methods and Project Management, equipping the next generation of professionals with strong analytical and practical competencies. Badalov has played a pivotal role in expanding international engagement and strengthening the global positioning of higher education institutions. He has successfully led and delivered major international initiatives, including Erasmus+ and TEMPUS programs, demonstrating proven expertise in securing competitive funding, managing complex projects, and achieving measurable, high-value outcomes. He is also the coordinator of a European Commission-funded Jean Monnet Module, reinforcing his leadership in EU studies and academic project development.

Versatile business development professional focused on strategic growth and impactful project execution across business and education contexts.

Bassant M. Attia, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Media and Communication Studies, with a research profile that spans the domains of television studies, digital media, political communication, and the applications of artificial intelligence in media. Her scholarly work has primarily focused on the representation and portrayal of the Arab region in Western media, as evidenced by her extensive publication record of over 18 peer-reviewed research articles.

Currently, Professor Attia serves as the Head of the Media Department at the College of Language and Communication, which is part of the Arab Academy of Science and Technology and Maritime Transport in Egypt. Associate editor of Insights into Language, Culture and Communication (ILCC) journal.

Beatriz Jiménez Luengo is the Director of the International Strategic Projects Office at Universidad CEU San Pablo. With over 12 years of experience in higher education internationalization, she has held key specialist roles at prestigious institutions in both Spain and Portugal, including Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Universidade Católica Portuguesa and the IE Foundation. Her professional focus centers on driving institutional excellence through strategic international partnerships, the management of large-scale mobility programs, and the implementation of international quality labels.

Her expertise in educational assessment and standards is anchored in her tenure as an ETS Product Specialist and certified TOEIC Official Propell Instructor, where she spearheaded testing solutions, pedagogical content creation, and center management across the Iberian Peninsula. Beatriz holds an M.A. in Education and an M.A. in Translation and Interpreting, specializing in the intersection of linguistic bridge-building and academic strategy.

A lifelong learner, her recent work involves streamlining international education processes and managing high-quality micro-credentials, backed by specialized training from the College of Europe, NAFSA, and the EAIE. As an Official Sworn Translator, she leverages her multilingual background to foster cross-cultural innovation and ensure rigor in global academic evaluations.

Benjamin-Bede Ezichim Benorie is a Clinical Researcher, Creative Writer, Life Coach, Editor, and Advocate whose work exists at the intersection of public policy, addiction recovery, behavioural health, social systems, and advocacy. His interdisciplinary approach integrates lived experience leadership, empirical research, and narrative intelligence to develop dignity affirming, evidence based frameworks that influence policy, strengthen institutions, and advance social justice.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (Second Class Honours, Upper Division) from Nnamdi Azikiwe University. He is a member of ISSUP and ISSDP, and an alumnus of the Kirakira Fellowship and Aspire Leaders Program (2026).

His creative writing interrogates dependence, identity, recovery, psychological struggle, resilience, meaning making, and human transformation. His published works include a collection of three poems and two short stories in Azahares Literary Magazine, “The Mystery of Dependence,” and the creative nonfiction piece “To Be a Child Again” in The Voices, “Endless Night” in the Journal of Expressive Writing, “A Heart of Love” in the Sauti: Poems of Love (Vol. 4), and a collection of three poems in The Sagebrush Review.

Professor Beverley Hawkins is Dean for Taught Students and Professor of Leadership and Organization Studies at the University of Exeter and has been a senior leader in higher education for six years.  She is sponsor of the University’s ‘Curriculum for Change’ transformation programme and leads many strategic education projects and governance groups at Exeter. 

An award-winning educator, Beverley has taught leadership at every level, from undergraduates to executives, and is known for her inclusive and innovative teaching methods. She is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and regularly advises on curriculum reform, employability, and widening participation.

Beverley is recognised internationally for her scholarship on leadership learning, organizational change, and education innovation, with a career that bridges academia, policy, and industry. Her research has shaped leadership education across sectors including financial services, defence, health, and the arts, generating two 4* REF Impact Case Studies (2014, 2021) that delivered multi-million-pound savings and new income streams for public services and cultural organisations. She has secured major research funding from the European Social Fund, Arts Council England, HEFCE, and ESRC, and co-authored the influential textbook Exploring Leadership (Oxford University Press, 2011; 2nd ed. 2023).

Beyond academia, Beverley serves as a Governor at Bridgwater and Taunton College, regularly undertakes work for the QAA, is part of several national Higher Education networks and collaborates widely with industry partners to connect cutting-edge research with real-world practice.

Bhanuprakash Madupati is a Technology Leader with over 15 years of experience in software engineering, enterprise architecture, and digital innovation. He currently leads strategic technology initiatives and manages large-scale, high-impact projects focused on building secure, scalable, and high-performance systems. His expertise spans .NET Core, C#, Angular, React, cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and GCP, as well as modern architectures including microservices, DevOps, and CI/CD pipelines.

He has strong experience in advanced technology areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, cybersecurity, IoT, and cloud computing. He is known for improving system efficiency, enhancing application security, and delivering enterprise-grade solutions across complex environments. He has also played a key role in mentoring teams and driving agile development practices.

Bhanuprakash holds multiple academic qualifications including Master’s degrees in Computer Science and Information Technology Management. He has contributed to research through publications in IEEE, Springer, and ACM venues, and has authored books and book chapters in emerging technology domains. His research interests include AI-driven systems, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and intelligent software engineering.

He is an active IEEE Senior Member, Sigma Xi Full Member, and Fellow of multiple professional bodies including BCS, RSA, and other international organizations. He also serves as a peer reviewer, jury judge, session chair, and speaker for global conferences and technical awards programs.

He has been recognized with several international awards for leadership, innovation, and technical excellence. His contributions span patents in AI systems, blockchain applications, and intelligent computing devices.

Overall, he is a globally engaged technology professional focused on innovation, research, and building next-generation intelligent systems.

Bianca Frost is a University Lecturer and researcher specialising in marketing, digital communication, and teaching and learning innovation. Her work focuses on bridging academia and industry through experiential learning, digital strategy, and emerging technologies such as AI in marketing and communication.

Her research interests include AI-generated content, sport and event marketing, and digital consumer engagement. Bianca is passionate about student development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and creating impactful learning experiences that connect research, industry, and social impact initiatives.

Dr. Biju Sayed is equipped with a total of 30+ years of experience as a higher education academician, specializing in the field of Computer Science and Information Technology. As of the current date, he has been involved with the teaching and learning processes for approximately 20000+ students, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). His services have been extended via teaching, research, curriculum development, advising, learning and development, training, management and administration, community services, consultancy, accreditation processes, examinations and assessments, faculty mentoring, student affairs, registration and other higher education related services to name a few. In addition, under community services, he has been voluntarily associated as a senior management board committee member of well-known secondary educational institution that caters secondary education to over 5000+ students, thereby sharing and gaining knowledge, skills at all levels throughout the education sector.

He is currently associated as an Associate Professor in Computer Science at Dhofar University, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman, has been remarkably involved in the institutional and program accreditation processes via various university committees. 

His research area and interests are mainly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied over various domains specifically machine learning, soft computing, social networking, data mining, education management, education assessment, smart power grid, knowledge management systems, decision support and expert systems.  Accomplishments include having published 90+ research papers inclusive of reputed Scopus indexed and Web of Science journals, some with impact factors, international and national conferences, apart from participating in various national and international seminars and workshops. His total impact factor inclusive of all the journals as of date has exceeded 80+.

He is currently working with research on large sets of data to measure the “Attainment of Graduate Attributes & Learning Outcomes in an Outcome Based Educational system”. To supplement the credentials, he has registered a patent through unique methodology on “Attainment of Graduate Attributes and Learning Outcomes”. Simultaneously, he has also developed a full-fledged unique software titled “Learning Outcomes Blaze” to measure the PLOs (Program Learning Outcomes), CLOs (Course Learning Outcomes), GAs (Graduate Attributes), QFs (Qualifications Frameworks) and VCs (Vocational Competencies). As a Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI), he has received and executed a research project worth USD 306746.00, with a fabulous team of researchers, under the government grant.

Few accolades and awards received are Best Poster Award (First Price), Best Research Scholar, Best Paper Award in IT Track Symposium, Outstanding Contribution to Virtual Learning Committee, Dedicated service, Significant Contribution in Committees, Post-General Foundation Program Academic Accreditation Team, Evaluating Innovations in the Cognitive Development Program. He equally holds an excellent ongoing professional, academic and business flair in higher/professional and technical education especially under the American and British curriculum.

Bola Ibrahim is an international higher education strategist, policy adviser, and education researcher with more than 20 years of experience across higher education, EdTech, transnational education, international development, digital transformation, and global partnerships in the Middle East and North Africa.

Ibrahim has since held leadership and advisory roles with organisations including McGraw-Hill Education, the British Council, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Coventry University Group, Bournemouth University, and The American University in Cairo, and has led multimillion-dollar, large-scale development projects supported by the European Commission and various international donors.

A veteran entrepreneur since 2005, he began his entrepreneurial journey by founding and leading an Egypt-based IT and digital services startup focused on digital solutions and technology services during the early stages of the region's digital ecosystem growth. This experience established a long-standing interest in the intersection of technology, innovation, and education. In 2017, he founded Impact Mark, a UK-based advisory and research firm focused on education and international development, through which he has led consulting and research projects across the UK, the MENA region, and Africa. During COVID-19, he has worked with McGraw-Hill Education on various regional initiatives across the Middle East and Africa, focused on digital learning solutions, institutional partnerships, professional education, and technology-enabled teaching and learning.

Through his consulting and policy work, Bola has led multimillion-dollar programmes and international funding initiatives, supporting projects focused on digital transformation, quality assurance, research governance, institutional strategy, education reform, online and blended learning, employability, and cross-border higher education across Egypt, Morocco, the GCC, and the UK.

He holds an MA in international and comparative education from the American University in Cairo and is currently pursuing a PhD at the UCL Institute of Education, where his research examines transnational education policy and the evolving role of higher education in the Middle East. Ibrahim is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and holds memberships in various prestigious UK institutions, including the Society for Research into Higher Education (SRHE), the British Educational Research Association (BERA), and the European Association for International Education. He is also an international affiliate at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) in the United States.

Bora Ozkan, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Finance at the Fox School of Business, Temple University, where he also serves as Academic Director of the MBA program. His teaching and research focus on fintech, financial markets, and innovations shaping business education. Dr. Ozkan is known for integrating experiential learning into his courses, including case-based teaching, real-world projects, and industry collaborations. His recent work explores the use of AI and emerging technologies to enhance student engagement and decision-making in online and hybrid learning environments.

Bruce Baikie is an information and communications technology (ICT) specialist with extensive experience designing and implementing technology solutions in resource-constrained and developing regions. His work focuses on renewable energy systems, sustainable computing, offline AI, and local capacity development. He brings more than three decades of experience spanning the energy and telecommunications sectors, including 17 years at Sun Microsystems, where he served as a telecommunications industry expert.

Mr. Baikie has led the design and deployment of numerous solar-powered ICT for Development (ICT4D) initiatives that expand access to information, education, and connectivity in underserved communities. He previously served as Executive Director of Inveneo, a San Francisco-based social enterprise dedicated to extending the benefits of information technology to marginalized populations through sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy solutions, and partnerships with local technology entrepreneurs.

His scholarship and professional contributions include numerous white papers and articles on sustainable computing, green data center operations, renewable energy applications, and ICT4D.

At Arizona State University, Mr. Baikie serves as Adjunct Faculty in the School for the Future of Innovation in Society, where he contributes to offline "AI for Good" research, teaching, and global development initiatives. He also mentors student teams and capstone projects within the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, supporting the next generation of engineers and innovators working at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and social impact. He is also the Co-Director & Co-Founder of the ASU SolarSPELL Initiative, an offline solar-powered digital library initiative.

Calvin Kinyanjui is an impact-driven electrical and electronics engineer whose work sits at the intersection of technical innovation, climate resilience, and social transformation. In his final year, this blend of technical depth, initiative, and social consciousness came into sharper focus when he was selected by the UNESCO Chair on Climate Change Resilience and Sustainability to lead a team in the UNESCO and ONEPLANET Joint WEF Hackathon, where they emerged as 1st Runners-Up. He further distinguished himself as the founder of LPGuardian, an IoT-enabled LPG safety network engineered to detect gas leaks, automatically shut off gas flow, and broadcast real-time alerts to neighbouring homes. The innovation earned him a 10th-place global finish at the World Engineering Day 2026 Hackathon in Jakarta, Indonesia, and is currently incubated under the PRME Africa Entrepreneurship Competition and Capacity Building Programme by the British University in Egypt. Building on this trajectory of excellence, Calvin has also transitioned from having his project submission recognised in the 2025 edition of the QS Reimagine Education Awards to serving as a judge for the Awards in London, UK. Across these milestones, he has steadily distinguished himself as an engineer committed not merely to building technically sound systems, but to designing practical, human-centred solutions for urgent societal challenges.

Carla Ramírez is Director of Digital Transformation for Faculty at Tecnologico de Monterrey. Carla graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems and a Master's degree in Information Technology Management from Tecnologico de Monterrey.

She has 30 years of experience in designing and managing educational innovation projects, digital transformation, educational technology, user experience, AI for education, and developing learning spaces with new technologies.

She is a current advisory board member of the IEEE FD Telepresence and has been a judge for the QS Reimagine Education Awards in the Artificial Intelligence in Education category. In 2020, she received three QS Reimagine Education Awards for the Hologram Professors project.

At Tecnologico de Monterrey, she has worked as a Leader of Educational Innovation and the Hologram Professor Initiative, Creative and Technological Design Leader, Web Portals and Multimedia Director, Instructional Design Coordinator, and Tutor in the Graduate Program of Information Technology Management.

I am an educator, digital transformation strategist, and a global researcher dedicated to shaping the future of learning. Currently, I serve as a Professor at Tecnológico de Monterrey, where I lead an innovative project that integrates Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality to enhance core skills across oth academia and industry. 

Driven by a lifelong curiosity about technology and global business, I lived in Japan for four years to earn my MBA from Doshisha University, and later specialized in AI implementation and Data Science through MIT, Kellogg, and Arizona State University. As a certified Project Manager and consultancy director, I bridge the gap between academic theory and corporate growth. I join the QS Re imagine Education judging panel committed to championing tech-driven, scalable breakthroughs that empower the next generation of global learners. 

Carlos Enrique George-Reyes holds a PhD in Educational Sciences and is a professor-researcher at the Universidad Bolivariana del Ecuador, where he directs the WISE Research Group: AI Literacy Hub. He is the creator of the Maker@Women STEM project, funded by the European Union through Erasmus+, with the participation of Latin American and European universities. He also serves as a graduate professor at the School of Humanities and Education of Tecnológico de Monterrey.

He has carried out research stays in Cuba, Finland, and Germany, and has promoted projects on emerging digital literacies, computational thinking, and educational entrepreneurship in Colombia, Guatemala, Portugal, Spain, Estonia, and Ecuador. His research lines focus on educational innovation, the evaluation of the impact of emerging technologies, and disruptive pedagogical strategies, such as Maker pedagogy.

He is a member of the National System of Researchers of the Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation (SECIHTI) in Mexico, the Mexican Council for Educational Research (COMIE), the Thematic Network on Digital Literacy, the Mexican Society of Comparative Education (SOMEC), and the Research Group on Emerging Technologies for Learning (GITEMA-Cuba). He has published articles in high-impact journals, book chapters, and papers presented at prestigious international academic conferences.

Dr. Carrie Berger is the Executive Director of Academic Affairs for Purdue University Online and a Clinical Professor in the Purdue Polytechnic Institute. She leads the development and implementation of Purdue’s interdisciplinary online graduate programs, including the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, Master of Science in Data Science, and non-credit AI portfolio for workforce development. Her work focuses on scalable, flexible education for working professionals, with a commitment to innovation, cross-college collaboration, and the advancement of accessible, high-impact online learning pathways. With a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology from Purdue University, Dr. Berger served as Assistant Dean for Research for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Viginia and Associate Dean for Research and Interim Dean for the Polytechnic Institute at Purdue University before joining Purdue University Online.

Prof. Catherine Cheung is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Prof. Cheung oversees student development and institutional advancement within the school. She received her PhD in Research from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow in 2006. She is a specialist in the study of Hotel and Tourism Management. She is committed to integrating sustainability into hospitality and tourism education and is the founder of the Communities of Practice of Education for Sustainable Development within the PolyU. Her research in hospitality branding examines hotels and tourism businesses can create strong brands that resonate employees. She also studied emotional intelligence and cultural intelligence of hotel employees and students. Finally, Prof Cheung has contributed to the teaching and research of Hospitality Strategies, Revenue Management and Luxury Management for 20+ years in Hong Kong.

She has authored and co-authored over 100 research papers and supervised more than 20 Doctoral students to completion. She has received two times Hong Kong Government RGC Grant Research Fund, along with other internal research and teaching grants from the Hong Kong Polytechnic university. She has served as a member of the Hong Kong Employee Training Board; as a judge for the Outstanding Quality Tourism Scheme service awards; as a judge for QS Reimagine Education Awards. She has served as invited speakers in academic conferences and industry conferences. Additionally, she has been involved in consultancy projects for hotels, airlines, private clubs and hospitals in Asia, focusing on service quality and human resources management. 

With over 16 years’ experience in higher education, I lead and develop evidence-based, innovative student development initiatives that drive measurable impact. My work has received international recognition, including a Triple E Award and a QS Reimagine Education Award shortlisting for the re-innovation of CBE Momentum.

My expertise spans program design, impact evaluation, industry engagement, and equitable learning, with a strong focus on improving student outcomes. I am passionate about creating initiatives that empower students to thrive both during their university experience and in their future careers. This is underpinned by a deep commitment to student career and professional development, global learning and holistic student support. I specialise in designing high-impact programs, facilitating engaging workshops, and fostering inclusive environments where students feel supported, confident, and equipped for success.

Beyond student outcomes, I am equally committed to building strong, collaborative teams. I value creating environments where individuals can leverage their strengths, grow professionally, and achieve meaningful goals together.

Results-driven Project Manager with over 10 years of experience delivering measurable impact in the management consulting and business development space. Proven track record in leading cross-functional initiatives, optimizing budgets, and translating strategic plans into executable programs that improve operational efficiency, revenue performance, and stakeholder value. Skilled in business planning, financial oversight, sales strategy, and data-informed decision-making, with a strong ability to align organizational goals with practical implementation. Known for strengthening systems, driving sustainable growth, and guiding teams from concept to completion in complex environments. Currently completing a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhDBA) in Business Management at Adventist University of the Philippines, further deepening expertise in strategy, analytics, and organizational transformation. Holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Manila Adventist College and a Master of Business Administration from Philippine Christian University.

Prof. Chacko Jose P, after 30 years of service in higher education,  retired as Principal and Professor of Economics from St. Aloysius College, Elthuruth, Thrissur, Kerala, India. Prof. Chacko previously held the position of Professor and Head, Dept. of Economics at Sacred Heart College, Chalakudy, Kerala. He has also served as a Reader at the UGC Academic Staff College of the University of Calicut, Kerala. In recognition of his exceptional academic contributions, Dr. Chacko was honoured with the prestigious ‘Prof. M.M. Ghani award for the best college teacher’ by the University of Calicut.  In addition to his extensive teaching and administrative experience, he is a NAAC assessor, a researcher with numerous papers and edited books, and a research supervisor in Economics at the University of Calicut. A dedicated faculty mentor, administrator, and policy contributor, Prof. Chacko continues to shape the academic landscape with integrity, vision, and scholarly excellence. Presently he is working as a visiting faculty for MBA Programmes of Kerala Agricultural University, Calicut University and Chinmaya Institute of Management and Technology, Thrissur, Kerala.

Dr. Lim possesses a decade long experience working in higher education and has embarked her educational journey in Mainland China since 2018. With a passion for fostering intellectual growth and a dynamic approach to pedagogy, Dr. Lim was awarded with BNBU President’s Award for Teaching in 2020, Young Teachers in 2023, Innovation Teaching in 2025. Her online mass media writing course was selected as Second Prize for Online Open Course Steering Committee of Guangdong Higher Institutions (Undergraduate) - Excellent Teaching Case Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic. By integrating the value of ‘harmony in diversity’ in holistic and inclusive education, the Fundamentals of Communication course taught by Dr. Lim was named as the provincial first-class curriculum by the Department of Education of Guangdong. 

Prof. Chander Prakash is working as Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research, Ranking, and Accreditation) at Geeta University, Haryana, India, and he is also associated as Project Head at the Research Laboratory of 3D Bioprinting Technologies for Flexible Electronics, Institute of Nanotechnology, Electronic and Equipment Engineering, Southern Federal University, Taganrog, Russia. He is a passionate researcher with diversified research interests—developing materials for biomedical and healthcare applications, additive manufacturing, and developing and exploring new cost-effective manufacturing technologies for biomedical industries. To date, he has published more than 540 scientific articles in various peer-reviewed, reputed top-notch journals, conferences, and books in Materials Science and Manufacturing. He is a Highly Cited Researcher at the international level, and he has 19000+ citations, an H-index of 77, and an i-10 index of 327. He edited/authored 42 books, serving as Series Editor of 3 books, and Editorial Board Member of journals. He is among India’s Top 1% of leading mechanical and aerospace engineering scientists, as per Research.com. He holds the 4th rank in India and 572th rank in the world. He also consistently appeared in the top 2% of researchers as per the Stanford Study in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Chandhirasekaran M is a career development leader and lifelong learner passionate about empowering students and professionals to achieve meaningful growth. With expertise spanning education, business strategy, project management, and technology, he has played a key role in building strong industry-academia connections and guiding aspiring talent toward successful careers. Known for his positive mindset, people-centric approach, and thought-provoking insights, he actively shares ideas on leadership, learning, emotional intelligence, and personal development

Dr.Chandran Vinoth Kumar is a seasoned healthcare supply chain management professional, an innovator, author, academician, researcher, medico-legal expert, bio-disaster management specialist, circularity & sustainability advocate. He holds a doctorate in hospital management & a postgraduate degree in Hospital Management from Apollo Hospitals, Chennai. He possesses a postgraduate degree in Business Management from the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad. His academic pursuits include post graduate qualifications in Medical Law & Ethics (NLSIU), Materials Management and Labor Laws with Administrative Laws. He is trained in Comprehensive Disaster Management (NIDM), Health Technology Assessment (AIIMS) and Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare (IIHMR). His career is characterized by a rich, unique & distinctive fusion of academia, research, authorship, innovation and industry expertise, spanning over two decades in renowned institutions. Dr Kumar is a recipient of multiple awards and accolades from organisations both within the country and abroad. A remarkable achievement is his recognition in the India Book of Records (IBR), Asia Book of Records (ABR), World Book of Records (UK) & Guinness World Records. He is the first healthcare supply chain management professional in India to achieve this feat. He is also the first healthcare management professional in India to be awarded with World Book of Records (UK) and the Guinness World Records. Notably, he is the first person in the world to achieve Guinness World Records for illegal / recreational drugs awareness advocacy. Furthermore, he holds the distinction of being the inaugural healthcare supply chain management professional in India to be awarded the Level 3 (Highest) Badge, “Qimpro Certified Qualitist”, by the Qimpro Foundation, conceptualized by Dr.J.M.Juran, Father of Quality. He has innovated, pioneered the Healthcare-specific SCM Frameworks, 4D & 5D MUSIC Models for achieving sustainability, and he was awarded “Best Innovator” & “Sustainability Champion Award”. He has organized several seminars, workshops, public awareness campaigns & conferences. He is also a sought-after speaker and has presented at national & international forums. He has authored many publications in national & international magazines & research journals. He also serves as a visiting faculty at premier business schools. He is regarded for his expertise in sustainable patient-centric supply chain adopting CQO approaches, health technology assessments, lean six sigma concepts, circularity & sustainability principles.

He currently serves as Chairperson of Supply Chain Leaders Forum of Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO),

DR. CHARESMA GRACE K. LUD-AYEN, RCrim, is the Dean of the School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety at the University of Baguio, where she has served since 2018. She is also a Professor and the Regional Secretary of the Professional Criminologists Association of the Philippines – Cordillera Administrative Region (PCAP-CAR), and the Vice-Chairperson of the Council of Criminal Justice Educators – Cordillera (CCJE-CAR). Dr.

Lud-ayen's academic credentials are both extensive and distinguished. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice with Specialization in Criminology (Cum Laude) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Development Education, both from the University of Baguio. She also earned her Master of Science in Criminology from the same institution, with additional units in Master of Arts in College Teaching. Her undergraduate degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Criminology (Cum Laude) and a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Science. At present, she is completing her Doctor of Public Administration, further broadening her expertise in governance and public administration.

She is a licensed criminologist who ranked 8th in the 2004 Criminologist Licensure Examinations, a distinction recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission, the Commission on Higher Education, and the University of Baguio.

A prolific researcher and author, Dr. Lud-ayen's scholarship spans domestic violence, gender-based violence, juvenile delinquency, criminal sociology, community crime profiling, forensic science, and student services. Her works have been published in the Philippine Criminology Journal, the International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, the Graduate School Multidisciplinary Research Journal, and the Industry and Academic Research Review, among others. She has authored books published by Wiseman's Book Trading, Inc., including Dispute Resolution and Incident Management, Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence, Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards, and Theories of Crime and Causation: Concepts, Policy Implications and Research Focus, as well as research monographs such as Reforming Youth Futures: Innovative Approaches to Juvenile Justice in Baguio City and Domestic Violence Perpetrators in Jail: A Comprehensive Study.

Dr. Lud-ayen is a recipient of a wide array of national and international honors. At the global level, she was conferred the Forensic Science Excellence Award at the 15th IASR International Conference on Forensic Science in India (2024), where she also served as Keynote Speaker and Session Chair. She served as a Judge at the QS Quacquarelli Symonds Reimagine Education Awards & Conference in London, and previously as a Judge at the same awards in Abu Dhabi. She was recognized as a Leader at The World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) in Seoul, Republic of Korea, where her work in leading the University of Baguio's crisis management and SDG-based responses to global challenges was highlighted. She is a Member of the Board of Directors of the World University Network of Innovators (WUNI) Leaders, a branch of the WURI Foundation — a non-stock, non-profit organization based in the Republic of Korea dedicated to fostering innovation in higher education. She also received the International Luminary Award in Leadership – Grand Finalist, securing 2nd place in the grand finals representing the Philippines, competing against finalists from Malaysia and Jordan.

Nationally, Dr. Lud-ayen was bestowed with the prestigious "Dakilang Kriminologo" Award, also known as the Justice Felix Angelo Bautista Award, during the historic First Philippine Criminology Profession Summit and 28th PCAP National Convention, conferred by the Professional Criminologists Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PCAP). She was also recognized as the Outstanding Criminologist for the Cordillera Administrative Region by PCAP-CAR Chapter (2022), and was named Outstanding Academic Head (Top 1) by the Private Education Retirement Annuity Association (PERAA) in 2016. She received multiple Top Performing Teacher and Exemplary Teacher awards from the University of Baguio. She also received a Plaque of Recognition for Successful School-Based End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) Program from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15, PRO-COR.

Dr. Lud-ayen is an active PACUCOA accreditor, a CHED Regional Quality Assurance Team (RQAT) member, and serves as advisor to multiple law enforcement agencies and units, including the Regional Internal Affairs Service – CAR, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group Cordillera, the PNP Police Security and Protection Group, the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, the Baguio City Jail Male Dormitory, and the PNP National Police Training Institute Regional Training Center and Criminal and Investigation Group-Cordillera. She was also appointed by the Professional Regulation Commission in 2021 as a Member of the Career Progression and Specialization Program – Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (CPSP-CATS) Program Management Committee.

She is a lifetime member of the Asian Criminological Society and the International Association of Scientists and Researchers, and holds active membership in the Asian Qualitative Research Association, the Philippine Society of Criminologists and Criminal Justice Professionals, the Institute of Industry and Academic Research Incorporated, and the Professional Criminologists Association of the Philippines, among others.

Dr. Lud-ayen's distinguished career is defined by a remarkable synthesis of academic excellence, international leadership, and commitment to community welfare — establishing her legacy as a transformative figure in criminology, forensic science, and higher education both in the Philippines and on the global stage.

Associate Professor Dr. Lim Chee Leong is the Senior Director of Learning Innovation and Development at Taylor’s University, Malaysia. He is a nationally recognised leader in pedagogical innovation, with over 25 years of experience in higher education. In 2014, he received the National Academic Award, Malaysia’s highest recognition for teaching and learning excellence.

Dr. Lim works strategically with academic leaders to elevate student learning through impactful, technology enabled approaches. He has led major institutional-wide initiatives, served on national e-Learning committees and international judging panels, positioning him as a change agent and thought leader in the transformation of higher education. 

Chris Corrigan is Reader (Education) in Music at Queen’s University Belfast where he teaches audio production and sound recording practice. As an active audio engineer, Chris has particular interest in recording techniques for spatial audio reproduction. His engineering work focusses primarily on contemporary acoustic and electro-acoustic music and his recordings have been released on the Mode, Delphian, Métier, Diatribe, Divine Art, Farpoint and RTÉ Lyric FM labels. Recent engineering credits include Ulster Orchestra, Fidelio Trio, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Yurodny, Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble, Mornington Singers, and Vanburgh Quartet.

Chris is also a composer whose work explores the intersection between contemporary compositional practice and traditional music forms, in particular the Irish and Scandinavian folk music traditions. His compositions have been broadcast on RTÉ Lyric FM and BBC Radio 3 and performed at the International Computer Music Conference and New York City Electroacoustic Music Festival. His most recent work ‘Athfhuaimniú’ premiered at the 2024 Belfast International Arts Festival performed by acclaimed Swedish duo Väsen.

Christian Elongue is the Managing Director of Kabod Group, parent company of Muna, an award winning edtech company that creates, distributes and promotes Afrocentric stories for children and families. As a edtech company, Muna produces quality educational and entertaining resources such as children books, audio stories and animation. Over the years, we established several products that are relevant to the evolving needs of families, publishers and parents:

-        Muna Kalati Agency (https://www.munakalati.org/services): a digital marketing and translation venture that supports publishers and authors of children books to boost their sales, visibility and brand.

-        Muna Magazine (https://www.munakalati.org/muna-magazine) : a resource with tips, trends and financial literacy lessons for students.

-        Muna Animation Studio (https://www.munakalati.org/muna-studio): the production arm, responsible of in-house and commercial animations.

-        Muna Flix (munaflix.com): our distribution arm, the first African video streaming platform that focus on animation with series and shows from various animation studios and creators in Africa, enabling them to monetize their work and grow visibility. Over 41 000 users monthly.

-        Muna Kalati App (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.munakalati.app&pli=1): a marketplace enabling African publishers to easily sell children’s books and audio stories. Parents and children can easily buy, read and listen to quality stories and resource from diverse countries. Learning paths are personalized and gamified.

-        Outliers : where we spotlight outstanding students with inspiring achievements in various fields. The goal is for them to inspire their peers, students to think big and act differently.

-        Munali: a mobile app to teach 4 African languages to children through edutaining content.

-         MK Talks (https://www.munakalati.org/resources/mk-talks): webinars and policy dialogues on the use of local languages in education, distribution of African books, children media etc.

In 2019, Christian has also published the book “Introduction to Children Literature in Cameroon” and published several papers on gamification of education in Africa.  He has also been  :

-        Research Fellow  with the French National Centre for Children’s Literature (BnF)

-        on the Executive Committee of the International Board on Books for Young People  (IBBY International), and founding Vice-President of IBBY-Cameroon.

-        Served as education, research or knowledge management consultant for institutions such as African Development Bank, World Bank, IFC, WACSI, GVI, etc.

-        the president of the International Network for the Promotion of Arts of Speech in Africa and the Caribbean (RIPAO), he delivered uncommonly original and useful trainings and insights that lead to individuals doing their best work and teams providing superb results.

-        trainer of Trainers for the WDI-World Debate Institute (USA) since 2013, he has coached and trained at least 700 managers in Africa and Europe

-        mentored 360 young African leaders via his mentoring initiative and more via the Ashoka, Total  Energies, Future Africa Fellowship, YALI MWF, African Changemakers, Global Give Back Circle, Commonwealth Mentorship  Programme, etc

-        Speaker at national, and international conferences of UNESCO, eLearning Africa etc.

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In 2021, he got acknowledged as one of the 30 Global literacy Champion and innovators by the International Literacy Association (ILA) and his work on foundational learning and numeracy (FLN), which   impacted at least 9032 African children, was covered by LeMonde, RFI, Askan etc.

In 2018, he completed his second master degree on children book publishing and his burning desire for learning resulted in him completing about 166 courses and training certifications. 

Christina Matthews is a higher education leader, innovator, and thought leader in student success, employability, and institutional transformation. As Executive Director of Student Life at University of Staffordshire, she leads a comprehensive portfolio encompassing student support, wellbeing, student engagement, careers and employability, academic and digital skills, international student services, safeguarding, and student success initiatives.

Over the course of her career, Christina has led major organisational change programmes designed to improve student outcomes, strengthen graduate employability, and create more connected and personalised student experiences. Her work focuses on how universities can integrate support, skills development, career readiness, analytics, and emerging technologies to help students thrive both during and beyond their studies.

Christina is the creator of the Integrated Student Outcomes Model (ISOM), an innovative framework that combines personalised capability assessment, artificial intelligence, student support, employability development, and longitudinal outcomes measurement. Her work explores how institutions can move beyond fragmented interventions towards whole-institution approaches that demonstrably improve student success and graduate outcomes.

She is an active contributor to the global higher education community through sector publications, conference presentations, peer review, editorial leadership, and innovation initiatives. Christina serves as an Assistant Editor for TEAM (Technology, Education, Assessment and Management) and has acted as a peer reviewer for multiple international journals. She has also been invited to judge international awards recognising excellence in educational innovation and student impact.

Her interests include student success, educational innovation, employability, artificial intelligence in higher education, learning analytics, student wellbeing, institutional strategy, and the future of higher education. As a QS Reimagine Education Awards judge, Christina brings both strategic leadership experience and practical expertise in evaluating innovations that create measurable and lasting impact for learners, institutions, and society.

Dr. Christy Cheong, currently Head of Academic Affairs Department at Macao Polytechnic University, manages a broad spectrum of academic administrative operations across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including admissions, enrollment, and student affairs, and facilitates the university's curriculum development, quality assurance, and institutional analytics and rankings. Specialized in learning analytics, educational data mining, educational psychology, and the science of learning and emotions, she is devoted to integrating research and data-driven insights into academic management, fostering innovation and continuous improvement in higher education.

Dr Claudia Lizette Garay-Rondero is an academic leader and researcher specialising in digital transformation, educational innovation, logistics, and future-ready competencies. She currently serves as a Senior Researcher at the University of Gibraltar and as an Adjunct Senior Researcher & Professor at the Institute for the Future of Education, Tecnológico de Monterrey.

Previously, she served as Director of the Academic Delegation in Madrid for Tecnológico de Monterrey, where she led international academic initiatives connecting Latin America and Europe through academic mobility, research collaboration, institutional partnerships, and global learning experiences.

Her work focuses on competency-based education, experiential learning, challenge-based learning, AI-enabled education, digital supply chains, Industry 4.0/5.0, and the integration of emerging technologies into higher education. She has contributed to international academic and research initiatives across Europe and Latin America, building bridges between universities, industry partners, researchers, and students through high-impact educational innovation and research collaborations.

With more than 16 years of experience in academia, research, and academic leadership, her work is driven by the design of human-centred, digitally enabled, and globally connected solutions that create measurable impact in education and industry.

Dr. Claudia S. López Cruz is a distinguished educator, researcher, and innovation leader with more than 35 years of experience in higher education, educational innovation, design, and faculty development. Her professional trajectory combines expertise in design, cognition, learning, educational technology, and strategic academic management. Her research interests focus on learning processes, color perception, cognition, and educational innovation, with a personal mission to help individuals maximize their potential through transformative learning experiences.

She currently serves as Professor at the School of Architecture, Art and Design at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey Campus, where she teaches design principles, UX, graphic design, and digital tools while mentoring students in creative problem-solving and innovation. Previously, she held major institutional leadership positions at Tecnológico de Monterrey, including Leader of Innovation and Strategic Innovation for Faculty Development, Northern Regional Director for the Teaching and Learning Centers (CEDDIEs), and Institutional Leader of Experimentation and Impact Measurement of Innovation across the university’s 32 campuses. In these roles, she coordinated large-scale educational innovation projects involving thousands of professors and students and managed multimillion-dollar budgets dedicated to transforming teaching and learning processes.

Dr. López Cruz has extensive experience in curricular redesign and educational innovation. She has designed and implemented undergraduate and graduate academic programs for several Mexican universities, integrating interdisciplinary approaches, blended learning models, and educational technologies. Her expertise includes qualitative and quantitative educational research, faculty development strategies, onboarding systems for adjunct faculty, educational innovation assessment, and the development of pedagogical training frameworks.

Her academic background includes a PhD in Design specialized in New Technologies from Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), a Master’s degree in Design with concentration in New Technologies, a specialization in Hypermedia, and certifications in Project Management and Marketing. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in her doctoral, master’s, and specialization programs.

As a researcher and author, Dr. López Cruz has published articles, conference proceedings, books, and book chapters focused on educational innovation, digital learning, color perception, cognitive experiences, educational assessment, and design. Her work has been presented internationally in conferences in Canada, Colombia, Mexico, and Spain. She maintains academic visibility through Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Scopus, with an H-index of 5 and i10-index of 4.

In addition to her academic career, she is Founder of CLOD’s Visual Communication Bureau of Design, where she has developed projects in branding, editorial production, communication strategy, multimedia design, and corporate identity for public and private organizations. Her professional practice integrates design, communication, educational strategy, and innovation management.

Throughout her career, Dr. López Cruz has demonstrated strong leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to innovation in education, positioning herself as a recognized expert in faculty development, educational transformation, and design-driven learning environments.

Doctorate (PhD) in Educational Sciences and a Master's degree in Social Studies, is a psychologist by undergraduate training, is currently a candidate in Sociology, and has been recognised as a Junior Researcher by the Colombian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MinCiencias). Her interdisciplinary expertise has been applied across university teaching, research, curriculum development, and academic quality management, including support for high-stakes accreditation processes and qualified registry applications. As an educator, she has taught courses in psychometrics, research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative), educational psychology, and conflict resolution in undergraduate and graduate programs in Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work. Her teaching practice is characterised by the integration of active methodologies, digital technologies, and formative assessment to promote student agency and self-regulated learning. Her research interests focus on the intersection of educational technology, academic integrity, and artificial intelligence, with special attention to how AI influences academic agency and learning autonomy in higher education. She leads the SciGE research group (Science, Gender(s) and Education), where projects on gender stereotypes, symbolic violence, and inclusive pedagogies have been developed. She has served as a peer evaluator for the QS ReIMAGINE Education Awards and has been recognised as a Turnitin Ambassador for good practices in academic assessment and integrity. Her professional work is grounded in a collaborative, critical, and human‑centred approach, where educational innovation is understood as most valuable when it is evidence‑based, context‑aware, and responsive to the needs of students and communities

Innovation Designer & Liaison Manager with over 20 years of international experience, turning visions into high-impact projects that blend sustainability, culture, education and tech. The fil rouge throughout my career has always been innovation, not only as a creative and strategic process, but as a way to connect disciplines, sectors and cultures to generate lasting value.

By default, I have always acted as a liaison, making different worlds speak to each other — within organizations and between the entities I have worked with — to build strategic partnerships, foster collaborations and align diverse stakeholders around a shared vision.

I have lived and worked in Italy, the UK, the US, and France, collaborating with large corporations, creative agencies, cultural institutions, universities and startups. My career spans from early work on digital terrestrial television with Italian broadcaster Mediaset, to launching the mobile offer for telecommunication provider Fastweb, to developing award-winning projects and cultural initiatives for international brands.

Highlights include:

>Supporting the EQUIS accreditation for Venice School of Management (Ca' Foscari University), obtained in 2023

>Developing BskyB’s mobile experience in the UK, winner of the Communicator Awards of Distinction in 2015

>Contributing to the mobile experience of US lingerie brand Fleur Du Mal, awarded the Retail System Awards in 2013

>Developing the PR Oscar campaign for Italian composer Paolo Buonvino, Oscar contender for best soundtrack for the movie Fatima (2021).

>Designing and implementing the corporate fundraising and partnership strategy for M9 – Museum of the 20th Century in Venice, securing funding and collaborations for major cultural initiatives.

In addition to my professional practice, I teach in France and Italy on topics such as innovation, strategy, negotiation, and intercultural management. I am a published author and speaker, with articles in Forbes USA and presentations at international conferences. My research includes:

>Erasmus+ projects such as REGENU on regenerative economy, Cultural Heritage 2.0 on digital innovation for cultural organizations, Urban GoodCamp on how to tackle urban challenges and work with placemaking;

>PNRR funded initiative NextGen Heritage, on sustainable cultural tourism, part of Spoke9 of the project CHANGES.

Through my work and research, I aim to bridge innovation and sustainability with culture and education, creating projects that not only address current challenges but also inspire more inclusive, creative, and resilient futures.

Darren Harbutt is Head of Online Education at Bayes Business School, City St George's University of London. He leads the development team in Bayes Digital Learning, developing online programmes such as the Global MBA and MSc in Global Finance. Before this, he led the digital support team in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Educational Development Centre. Darren is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE (SFHEA) and has worked in education for over 30 years.

Dean Riley is an education leader with nearly two decades of experience creating transformative learning experiences that connect classrooms with the natural world. Holding a BSc (Hons) in Physics with Space Science & Technology, a PGCE in Secondary School Physics, and an MBA in Educational Leadership, Dean combines academic rigour with real-world innovation.

Before joining Hero Experiences Group as General Manager of Absolute Adventure, Dean played a leading role in shaping the education programme of Expo 2020 Dubai and later Expo City Dubai. He played a leading role in the development and delivery of large-scale education programmes that engaged more than 1.5 million students through immersive workshops, science shows, sustainability experiences, and curriculum-linked learning journeys. His work focused on connecting young people with real-world innovation and industry expertise, while making complex global challenges accessible, engaging, and action-driven for schools across the UAE.

Dean also led UAE-wide educational initiatives promoting environmental awareness and citizen science, including pollinator programmes designed to support biodiversity education and school-based research. Through his work, he has consistently championed experiential learning as a way to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and long-term environmental stewardship.

Today, Dean leads Absolute Adventure’s mission to help young people and educators explore, learn, and grow through outdoor and environmental education. He believes some of the world’s most powerful learning experiences happen beyond the classroom, where adventure, nature, and education come together.

Dennis Cheek is the former Dean of the School of Entrepreneurship & Humanities at Universitas Ciputra in Indonesia. He continues as a university-wide Professor of Creativity, Innovation & Entrepreneurship. He serves since 2013 as an annual Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, General Management, and Strategic Consulting at IESEG School of Management, France where he has taught a wide variety of courses and supervises student master theses.  He is a former VP at both the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the John Templeton Foundation and a former administrator in the state education departments of New York and Rhode Island in the USA. He has extensively worked and traveled in 50+ nations and served on the editorial or manuscript review boards of 30+ peer-reviewed publications. He has taught or held research appointments in 21 universities in nine countries. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (Section Q: Education), Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts (FRSA), and a full member of the Society of Ordained Scientists (SOSc). He holds a BS, BA, MA, PhD (Penn State) and PhD (Durham). He has co-founded 15 regional, national, and international organizations. 

Der Jiun is a biochemist and innovation leader with over 10 years of experience translating biomedical science into scalable education and research initiatives. Passionate about sustainability, he is committed to aligning AI adoption with environmental responsibility. As a senior lecturer and head of pre-clinical sciences at MAHSA University, he leads a team of 12 academic staff serving 175 students annually. He introduced an AI literacy module focused on responsible AI use and received the Intel AI Impact Shapers Award for two consecutive years (2022-2023). As a certified AI for Good Educator by AI Singapore and Meta, he has trained over 350 participants in ethical and responsible AI adoption. He is also actively pursuing interdisciplinary collaborations and continuously exploring emerging technologies to drive innovation in both education and research.

Devasheesh is an Assistant Professor at the International Management Institute, New Delhi, in Strategic Management. He is the Chairperson of the Center for Business Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Incubation at IMI Delhi. He mentors early-stage startups and coaches startups to scale strategically.

He is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, and he has 17 years of experience at think tanks and start-ups. He has worked on policy implementation for the WHO and the Ministry of Health in India. He has recently gravitated towards strategic foresight due to his work in systems research, which led him to start a foresight-based firm to help disseminate the paradigm in India. He received the Emerging Scholar Award 2023 from the Common Grounds Research Network, USA.

His doctoral research work at MDI Gurgaon has dealt with the process of radical innovations in public health in India. He teaches courses on Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship, Business and Government Affairs, Public Systems Analyses, etc. One of his courses is popular among students, titled ‘The Art and Science of Starting Up’, which enables students to ideate and build a worthy startup during their management studies.

He has worked on consultative projects funded by the World Health Organization and delivered to the National Health Agency related to policy monitoring and impact evaluations of government programs. He has published peer-reviewed research articles in BMC Health Services Research, Journal of Public Health and Development, International Journal of Health Governance, etc., and open editorial pieces in leading dailies. He is one of the founding members of the Indian Public Policy Network and a member of the Confederation of Indian Industries, the Association of Public Policy and Management, the Academy of Management, and the International Public Policy Association. He is the recipient of the Emerging Scholar Award 2023 by Common Grounds Research Network, USA.

Dhara Patel is a social impact leader, education innovator, and Founder & Director of Dhara for Dhara, an independent initiative focused on reimagining education through sustainability, mental health advocacy, and community-based learning. Her work bridges education, communication, and social equity, with a strong emphasis on inclusive learning models that empower youth, women, and marginalised communities.

Dhara’s initiatives integrate non-traditional learning spaces—such as digital platforms, community dialogues, and advocacy campaigns—to address gaps in formal education systems, particularly around mental well-being, environmental responsibility, and social awareness. She has led and contributed to projects that combine research, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement to create scalable education impact.

Her work has received national and international recognition through academic publications, policy-oriented research, and youth-led advocacy platforms. With a background in impact communication and education research, Dhara is committed to advancing learner-centred, socially responsive education models that respond to real-world challenges and prepare communities for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Diana is a teacher focused on human talent, innovation, and technology. Currently works doing research and is the coordinator of the Fabrication Laboratory of the Universidad Estatal a Distancia. She has degrees in preschool and primary education, educational technology, project management, and design thinking.

Her work experience includes public and private educational institutions with roles like teacher, researcher, project manager, instructional designer, and program coordinator. These roles have given her opportunities to be part of interdisciplinary teams and to remain open to change, learning, error, and the never impossible task of generating real impacts on people's lives and on the dynamics of the spaces she works.

Also, she has been the coordinator of the OpenCourseWare at UNED for almost 17 years and participated in various projects related to the Open Educational Movement and Open Educational Resources & Practices, both national and internationally.

Didin Wahyudin, Ph.D., is an Indonesian academic and professional specializing in Electrical Engineering and Information Science. He earned his doctorate from the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) in 2016. Currently, he serves as the Head of the Electrical Engineering Study Program at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) and Vice Chair of the IEEE Educational Society Indonesia Chapter.

His research focuses on instructional design, serious games, and the Internet of Things (IoT). With extensive teaching experience across institutions like UPI and Telkom University, Dr. Wahyudin is also an active reviewer for international journals and serves as a national book supervisor.

I am Diego Mauricio Mazo Cuervo, Rector of Institución Universitaria CEIPA in Colombia, where I have led the institution's transformation into an accredited, innovation-driven business school built on challenge-based and transdisciplinary learning. I hold a Doctorate in Global Education from the University of Southern California, with further studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Throughout my career, I have focused on one central question: how higher education must evolve to stay relevant. I pioneered online education in Colombia, learning by doing, and speak frequently on educational innovation and the future of the university. It is a privilege to contribute as a judge in this process.

Dildora Abdusattarova is a higher education specialist, university lecturer, and quality assurance expert from Uzbekistan. She has over 12 years of experience in academia, teaching finance and taxation, supporting curriculum development, and contributing to higher education quality enhancement. She holds international academic experience from the University of Michigan, where she deepened her expertise in higher education leadership, student support, and innovative pedagogy. Her professional interests include competency-based learning, global citizenship education, financial sustainability in higher education, and the use of interactive methods to strengthen students’ critical thinking and lifelong learning skills. As a judge, she brings an international, practice-oriented, and equity-focused perspective to educational innovation.

Dilip Surkar is a development sector leader with over 35 years of experience in STEM education, environmental conservation, sustainable livelihoods, water and sanitation, and climate resilience. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC), Director of VIKSAT, and CEO of the Nehru Foundation for Development (NFD), India.

He has previously served as National Coordinator of the GEF UNDP Small Grants Programme in India, Senior Fellow with the American India Foundation (AIF), and Co-Chair of the global coalition End Water Poverty.

He serves on the boards of several educational and development institutions. Under his leadership, VASCSC has received national and international recognitions for science communication, STEM education, and social impact.

Prof. Dillip, through his brilliant three decades of teaching and leadership in higher education, has established himself as a strong advocate for digital transformation in education.  He specializes in training a team of health care professionals, focusing on AI systems that support personalized student learning, simulation-based training, and advancing the use of immersive technologies for Augmented & Virtual Reality (AR/VR) usability. Currently, he is leading several projects concerning the application of Data structures and AI in accreditation, strategic planning, and research at his university. He has published his research widely and visited many globally best-ranked universities in 18 countries. His leadership role spans from Dean, Director, Chief Quality Officer, and Senior Executive Consultant in nationally and globally ranked universities. He has experience as a member of the University Court, Board of Governors, University Council, and Academic Council of universities. He is active socially and has worked/is working in several social empowerment projects concerning education of the underprivileged group, Education of differently able children, and Environmental protection, etc. 

I am an associate professor with a PhD in marketing and a strong commitment to enhancing student experiences in academia. With several years of experience in education and research, I have a passion for empowering students and fostering an inclusive learning environment. My research focuses on the intersection of marketing and digital technologies. I have published my work in reputable journals and actively participated in international conferences and workshops, contributing to the global discourse in my field. Throughout my career, I have honed my skills in lecturing, research, coaching, and public speaking. As Vice Dean for Student Affairs, I leverage these skills to ensure high-quality education and support for students, collaborating with faculty and staff to create innovative programs that enhance academic success and personal growth. I am dedicated to sharing my knowledge with both students and the broader research community, inspiring the next generation of marketers to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Assoc Professor Srinivasan Dinesh Kumar is a distinguished academic and educator at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine). Currently serving as the Medical Science Lead for Cardiovascular System Block and Lead of Continuing Education and Training (CET), he is actively involved in developing curricula and modules for both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students. His passion for mentoring extends to undergraduate medical students, as evidenced by his role as a House Master Mentor for HUMILITAS at NUS Medicine.

Prof. Srinivasan's research interests span a wide range of fields, including higher education pedagogy, technology-enhanced learning, medical education, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and nanomedicine. He has secured numerous research grants and published over 100 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals like Nature, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, Biomaterials, Journal of Biological Chemistry, Diabetologia, and Anatomical Sciences Education.  Additionally, he has contributed to several book chapters and presented his work at international, regional, and local scientific conferences. He is also a co-author of two anatomy textbooks: Practical and Applied Histology (2025; 220 pages) and Essential Applied Anatomy (2025; 446 pages). With an H-index of 33 and over 4,500 citations, he is a recognized authority in his field.  He is recognized as one of the world's top 2% of highly cited researchers in 2022, 2023 and 2024.  He serves as an editor and reviewer for multiple journals and grant funding agencies. Beyond academia, Prof. Srinivasan is actively involved in community service, holding positions such as Chairman of the School Advisory Committee (SAC) of Lianhua Primary School Singapore and Honorary Secretary of the Singapore Neuroscience Association.  

Prof. Srinivasan’s exceptional contributions to education and research have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. These include the QS Reimagine Education Award (Blended & Presence Learning Category, 2025); the NUS Medicine Innovative Teaching Excellence Award (2025); the NUS Medicine Outstanding Mentor Award (2025); the NUS Medicine Mentees’ Choice Award (2024); the Hind Rattan Award (Jewel of India), conferred by the NRI Welfare Society of India (2024); the NUS Annual Teaching Excellence Award (University Level, 2022); the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine Teaching Excellence Awards (2019/20, 2020/21, and 2021/22); the NUHS Teaching Excellence Award (2020); the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine Fortitude Award (2020); and the NUS Medical Education Grand Innovation Challenge (MEGIC) Award (2020, Team Lead). In recognition of his sustained and significant contributions, he was also awarded the Distinguished Long Service Medal by the Ministry of Education (MOE), Singapore (2011 and 2015).

Dirk is an entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the higher education industry. He served as a regional director for leading European universities and held numerous advisory and board appointments across the sector.

His deep expertise in admissions strategy and international student recruitment led him to establish eduALTO, an education consultancy advising universities on enrollment growth and global positioning. He is also the founder of Euroversities, a platform connecting European universities with vetted education agents in the Asia-Pacific region.

Dirk is a co-founder of Speechsquare, an AI-powered speech analysis company for language learning, and of Expand Asia, which provides market intelligence services to institutions expanding into Asian markets. A regular speaker at higher education conferences in Asia, he is known for his practical, data-driven perspective on recruitment innovation and student mobility.

Dirk holds an MBA from IE Business School (Spain) and a BBA from Universität Duisburg-Essen (Germany).

Dr. Cabrera graduated Cum Laude from the University of Batangas in 2009 with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. In the same year, he passed the licensure examination for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and immediately after, pursued higher studies in the field of Business Administration. He earned his Master’s degree in 2013 and Doctoral degree in 2016 as Magna Cum Laude. He is also awarded Associate Fellow in Business Education (AFBE) by Philippine Academy of Professionals in Business Education (PAPBE) in 2015. Also, he earned his Diploma of Leadership and Management from Australian Skills Institute in November 2015 and completed the CHED Global Academic Leadership Program at the Asian Institute of Management in June 2023.

He is also an active member of various professional accounting and business organizations. He served the National Association of CPAs in Education as Treasurer in 2016-2018 and the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) – Batangas Chapter as President in 2017-2018. He is also the auditor of the Network of CALABARZON Educational Institutions (NOCEI) from August 2019 to July 2023 and the Director for Education of PICPA Batangas Chapter for FY 2022-2024.

He was awarded by PICPA as the 2016 Young Achiever in Education, a national award given to CPA in education for his outstanding achievement and distinguished performance as an accounting educator, at an early stage of his career, thus contributing to the prestige of the accountancy profession and Outstanding Chapter President for Fiscal Year 2017-2018, a national award given to chapter president who exhibited exemplary performance in leading and serving the chapter, thus achieving the goals and objectives set by the national professional organization. He is also awarded as the 2022 Most Outstanding Innovative Leader and Educator by the International Organization of Educators and Researchers and 2023 Outstanding Individual in the Field of Accounting Education by the Instabright Global Excellence Awards.

He is also often invited as guest lecturer on Accounting and Financial Management topics and has presented researches before foreign academicians and entrepreneurs and being a research enthusiast made his researches published in national and international journal publication. He serves as Editorial Board Member of IOER International Multidisciplinary Research Journal since May 2021. Besides that, he is also an accountant/consultant of cooperatives in Batangas. He also serves as guest lecturer of business management courses in the master’s and doctorate program of University of Batangas and MS reviewer of LCRC CPA Review Center in Calamba City, Laguna.

He served as the VP for Research, Extension, Planning and Development of Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas from June 2018 to May 2021 and appointed as VP for Academic Affairs from June 2021 to August 2023. Also, he worked with DMMC Institute of Health Sciences as VP for Finance and Administrative Affairs from September 2023 to March 2024. Currently, he is the AVP for Institutional Quality Assurance of University of Batangas. Despite his preoccupation with his varied responsibilities, he never forgets his prime duty as loving husband to his wife, Ericka and responsible father to his children, Eurie Darleen and Euan Darveen.

Dr. Dorka Horváth is the CEO and co-founder of BOOKR Kids. This award-winning European edtech company combines storytelling, AI technology, and gamification to make reading engaging for children worldwide. With an MBA and a PhD in New Media Studies, Dorka has built her career around a passion for education, storytelling, and technology.

Since founding BOOKR in 2015, she has led the company’s expansion from Budapest to over 40 countries, bringing BOOKR products- a digital library of interactive English readers aligned with curricula - to schools, teachers, and families across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Under her leadership, BOOKR has partnered with leading publishers, ministries of education, and institutions to promote reading and language learning in innovative ways.

Dorka has been recognized as one of Europe’s most dynamic young entrepreneurs and female leaders in the education sector. She regularly speaks at international conferences on edtech, literacy, and the future of education.

Today, as CEO, her mission is to inspire a love of reading among children globally, and to empower teachers and parents with high-quality digital resources.

Senior technology leader with 11+ years driving scaled agile delivery, agile coaching, and product-led transformation across enterprise functions at a global Tier-1 bank. Proven track record mobilizing Product Groups and Pods at scale, installing agile metrics and ceremonies, and coaching 100+ Product Managers and engineering leaders to elevated delivery maturity. Combines deep scaled agile expertise (SAFe, Lean Product, Kanban) with substantive specialization in AI/ML innovation and regulatory technology, including direct accountability for OCC and SEC examinations. An active Contributor in Forbes, CNBC, CNN News18, and India Today on AI governance, model risk, and enterprise transformation/innovation.

An expert in AI integration, enterprise innovation, and digital transformation, Aditya leads high-impact initiatives that fundamentally reimagine how financial services firms operate, compete, and create value. His work spans AI governance, innovation ecosystems, data strategy, agile transformation, and emerging technology adoption with a relentless focus on scalable outcomes that drive business excellence and societal progress. With over a decade of leadership experience at the intersection of finance, technology, and innovation, Aditya operates seamlessly across C-suite strategy, deep technology domains, and enterprise execution. He is a passionate advocate for evidence-based innovation, ethical AI, and building innovation cultures that balance velocity with governance and trust. Aditya is a recognized global thought leader and trusted advisor, frequently invited to speak and write on the future of financial services, AI ethics, and innovation leadership. He has been honored as The Linux Foundation Ambassador for FINOS (Fintech Open Source Foundation), NYU Distinguished Alumni of the Year 2020, named to the Drexel 40 Under 40, and awarded the Drexel Outstanding Alumni Award 2025: recognitions that reflects both his professional leadership and community impact. Aditya holds a Master’s degree from New York University (NYU) and a Bachelor’s degree from Drexel University. He serves on the Drexel University's LeBow College Of Business Alumni Board and serves as an Advisor on Harvard Business Review’s Advisory Council as well. He is committed to mentorship, education, and fostering the next generation of technology and business leaders.

Furthermore Aditya has been awarded the Senior Member status by IEEE, Fellowship of The Institution of Engineering and Technology (FIET), Fellowship of The British Computer Society (FBCS), Fellow of The Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (FIETE), The Hackathon Raptors Fellowship in recognition of his expertise and thought leadership. His mission is clear: to drive innovation that matters- not simply to deploy new technologies, but to engineer lasting, human-centered transformation across the global financial ecosystem. At Morgan Stanley and beyond, Aditya continues to shape the future of finance: where bold ideas, rigorous execution, and ethical leadership converge to create enduring impact.

I am well-qualified to be part with over 15 years of experience in academia, research, and quality assurance. As Deputy Director of Quality Enhancement at Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan, I lead academic, research, and quality initiatives that enhance the university’s rankings and educational standards. I hold a PhD in Archaeology, along with an MPhil and MA in the same field. I’ve worked in several administrative capacities, including Assistant Registrar, Assistant Director of Museum & Administration, and Assistant Director of Academics & Research. In these roles, I’ve spearheaded efforts to improve governance, quality assurance processes, and international collaborations, directly influencing the university’s academic growth. My experience extends internationally, as I’ve been involved in projects and initiatives like the QS World University Rankings, UIGM World University Rankings, and ISO 21001-2018 certification for educational management. These roles have given me deep insights into university governance, ranking systems, and global educational standards. I’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of the complexity’s universities face and how to effectively address them through innovation and quality improvement. In addition to my administrative experience, I have been involved in significant research projects in archaeology and heritage management, with funding from organizations like the British Council and Leicester University UK. I’ve presented at international conferences, addressing topics like museum management, archaeology, and higher education governance. These contributions have strengthened my ability to evaluate educational innovations and their potential impact on both academic fields and society at large. I have also participated in numerous international workshops and training programs focused on quality assurance, research excellence, and sustainable development goals (SDGs). These opportunities have broadened my understanding of global educational trends and prepared me to assess projects that aim to address pressing educational challenges, such as access, quality, and sustainability. In terms of practical skills, I have substantial experience in project management, financial management, and academic governance. These competencies allow me to assess educational initiatives not only from an academic perspective but also from an operational standpoint. I believe these combined skills—academic leadership, administrative expertise, and global exposure—make me highly suited to evaluate transformative projects. My professional journey has been guided by a commitment to improving education and fostering a culture of continuous learning. I am passionate about recognizing and promoting innovative educational initiatives that can shape the future of higher education globally. I believe my extensive experience, both in Pakistan and internationally, enables me to contribute effectively to identifying pioneering educational solutions and recognizing the transformative power of education.

Dr Chandan Kumar Panda is an Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist in the Department of Extension Education at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour. He is passionate in teaching and always prioritizes the needs of the students and creates a safe, inclusive, and welcoming classroom environment. Dr Panda encourages active participation and engagement of students of Under Graduate (UG) and Post Graduate(PG) & PhD in the teaching learning process and creates milieu for expressing their opinions, and collaborate with their peers. He authored three practical manuals, acted as Content Creator ICAR E-Learning NAHEP, published eight books & thirty book chapters and also created a number of teaching materials for the students. Two PhD students and eight M Sc students successfully completed dissertation and awarded degree. He was also Coordinator of General Agriculture Test (ICAR & other institutions) for the students of Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour. Dr. Panda also led a team of scientists of the university for high level training in Artificial Intelligence(AI) at Inria centre at the University of Lille,France.

Since the joining of Dr. Panda at BAU, he immensely contributed in shaping and promulgating the teaching, research, extension and training of the university. He made significant scientific contributions in extension education especially in the areas of Assessment of Student Retention, ICT in Agricultural Extension, farmers’ information need and networks, developing indicators and women in agriculture.  Dr. Panda bagged ICAR Extramural Project twice for the university as Principal Investigator and findings of his work added piece of knowledge for Identification and Validation of Indicators for Monitoring and Evaluation of Agricultural Education System of India & also Assessment of Student Retention Admitted through AIEEA During XII Plan. Dr Panda is well known for his contribution for revival of grass pea cultivation in Bihar through the Biotech KISAN Hub project which is being funded by Dept. of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India.

Dr. Panda is also committed for institutional building activities wherein acted as Officer Incharge External Examination and Evaluation Cell; Placement Cell and Career Counselling Centre and  Language laboratory. He is also member secretary of Social Science Research Advisory Group of the university.

Dr. Panda received ‘Best Scientist Award’ & ‘Dr. Gopalji Trivedi Best Extension Professional Award’ bestowed by Bihar Agricultural University Sabour in the year 2020 & 2021. He is also privileged to receive the ‘Best Teacher Award’ for the year 2022.

Dr. Chandni Magoo, Associate Professor and Associate Head, in Department of Computer Science & Technology, Manav Rachna University, is a passionate educator, researcher with over two decades of experience in teaching, research, academic leadership, and technology-driven learning. Holding a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering, she has dedicated her career to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Natural Language Processing. Her research initiatives have focused on solving societal and environmental challenges through technology-enabled solutions, demonstrating a strong commitment to creating meaningful impact through research and innovation. She has also been associated with startup and entrepreneurship initiatives that promote the development of technology-based products and solutions. Beyond her research accomplishments, Dr. Magoo has played a significant role in promoting academic excellence, quality assurance, and outcome-based education. She has been actively involved in curriculum development, academic planning, accreditation activities, and the implementation of innovative teaching-learning practices. Her efforts have consistently focused on enhancing student learning experiences and preparing learners for the rapidly evolving technological landscape. She has successfully mentored student projects, research activities, international collaborations, and industry-oriented training programs, encouraging learners to develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Her mentorship has empowered many students to pursue excellence in academics, research, and professional careers.

Dr Christina SS Ooi currently serves as Board Member, Regional Board of Malaysia for Chartered Management Institute (CMI), UK. She also serves as Council Member, Malaysia Independent Non-Executive Directors Association (MINED), and is an Adjunct Lecturer at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Malaysia. A criminal lawyer by training, this former Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) for Asia Pacific (APAC) with diverse industry experience is also an international speaker, mentor, and published author. She was 2024 LinkedIn Top Voice for Career Management, People  Management, Communications Management, Negotiation, Executive Management, and Leadership. Also listed by Favikon on 9 February 2026, in Top 200 Global Procurement Creators, she is also #1 Procurement Creator in Malaysia.

Currently paying it forward as a volunteer mentor with Project Girls for Girls (Malaysia Chapter) Talentbank, Talent Corporation (TalentCorp), and Global Supply Chain Leadership Alliance (GSLA). Dr Christina holds a Ph.D. in Law from University of Malaya, Master of Laws, and Master of Business Administration (MBA), with two first degrees, in Law and in Communication. A certified Advocate and Solicitor, High Court of Malaya, following her first book on talent management, her second book, “Tough As Nails” was launched in November 2025.

Dr. Deepali Borthakur is a higher education strategist, academic leader, and multidisciplinary scholar with over ten years of experience driving institutional transformation through global accreditation, pedagogy innovation, and research excellence. Currently serving as Associate Director- International Rankings & Accreditations and Assistant Professor at Woxsen University’s School of Business, she has spearheaded strategic initiatives that have elevated Woxsen’s visibility in major global frameworks, including QS, THE, AACSB, NBA, Corporate Knights, and Bloomberg rankings. Her academic journey spans across Dibrugarh University, Tezpur University, and KKHSOU, where she earned her PhD in English Literature, MPhil in Indian Writing in English, MA in English, and MSW in Community Development. With a strong grounding in the humanities, she has expanded her expertise into business ethics, sustainability, accreditation frameworks, and curriculum innovation, bridging liberal arts perspectives with management education. Prior to joining Woxsen, Dr. Borthakur held leadership roles at Assam down town University, where as Associate Dean (Academics) and Assistant Director (IQAC), she forged over a dozen international collaborations, implemented NAAC Cycle II milestones, and led the university to a QS I-GAUGE Diamond rating. She has been instrumental in curriculum redesign, industry-academia partnerships, and advancing outcome-based education, mentoring over 200 faculty in quality frameworks. Her scholarly contributions include authored books, edited volumes, and multiple book chapters, along with four published patents. She has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the QS I-GAUGE Diamond Rating, CEGR Best Private University in NE, and Limca Book of Records recognition for digital library innovation. A regular contributor to global forums including QS Reimagine Education Awards, QS India Summit, and THE Global Forums, she is also active in community engagement through the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan initiative. Dr. Borthakur’s vision is to position Indian universities as globally competitive institutions by advancing sustainability, innovation, and accreditation excellence. Her work continues to inspire future-ready graduates while setting benchmarks for higher education quality and impact.

University Professor, PhD Guide/Examiner, Elsevier-Mendeley Advisor, Project Guide, Elsevier Journals Paper Reviewer, Subject Matter Expert, Mentor, and Author with over 24 years of experience in Education and 11 years in the Manufacturing Industries.

As a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership, UK, an official Judge for the QS Reimagine Global Education Awards and Globee Leadership Awards, I am improving educational outcomes and bridging the gap between Academia and the Workforce.

Additionally, I serve/volunteer as ​an Expert Committee Member of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), a Peer Team Assessor for the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Ministry of Education, Government of India, and a Peer Team Volunteer of the Project Management Institute - Global Accreditation Centre (GAC), focusing on enhancing the Quality and Impact of Universities & HEIs.

Passionate about teaching online/offline, mentoring researchers, students, working professionals, Startups and Institutions, helping them thrive in a dynamic academic, employment, entrepreneurship, and professional landscape.

Interested in International and Corporate Collaborations, Ranking and Accreditation, Policy Planning and implementation, and Consulting Universities/HEIs.

Open to connect and discuss how we can collaborate and create value together for the future of education and career development.

Dr. Muhammad Ali is a finance academic, researcher, and international educator passionate about transforming education through innovation, financial empowerment, and industry-driven learning. Currently serving as Senior Lecturer of Finance at Taylor’s University

Driven by the three core pillars of higher education, impactful teaching, meaningful research, and community-focused service. Dr. Ali continuously works to connect academia with real-world transformation and societal impact.

Dr Ali brings over 14 years of experience across higher education, research leadership, and academic mentorship. His work bridges finance, technology, sustainability, and education, with research spanning financial literacy, fintech, behavioral finance, ESG, and Islamic finance. A published scholar with 50+ international research articles and multiple edited books with globally recognized publishers.

Dr. Ali actively contributes to shaping global academic discourse through his editorial roles, keynote speeches, and international collaborations. He has served as Associate Editor and Guest Editor for several leading journals and is a recurring judge for the QS Reimagine Education Awards.

Known for combining academic rigor with practical impact, Dr. Ali is deeply committed to advancing inclusive, future-ready education that creates meaningful societal change.

Dr. Nasir Parwaiz is a distinguished clinical pathologist and healthcare leader currently serving as the Director of Thumbay Labs, one of the UAE’s leading networks of CAP-accredited diagnostic laboratories. Based in the United Arab Emirates, he has played a significant role in advancing laboratory medicine, preventive healthcare, and diagnostic innovation across the region.

With more than two decades of experience in pathology and laboratory management, Dr. Parwaiz has built an accomplished career focused on quality diagnostics, clinical excellence, and healthcare innovation.

As Director of Thumbay Labs, Dr. Parwaiz has been instrumental in strengthening the organization’s position as one of the largest diagnostic laboratory networks in the UAE. Under his leadership, Thumbay Labs has expanded its advanced testing capabilities, promoted automation-driven laboratory services, and reinforced its commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and high-quality diagnostic solutions.

Dr. Parwaiz has also been a strong advocate for preventive healthcare and community wellness initiatives. He has consistently emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, regular health screenings, and preventive medicine in improving healthcare outcomes.

He is recognized for outstanding contributions to healthcare and humanitarian services through several prestigious honors, including the Heroes of the UAE Medal, and multiple Certificates of Appreciation from the Government of Ajman, Ministry of Cabinet Affairs UAE, and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).

Beyond diagnostics, Dr. Parwaiz actively contributes to medical education, research, and healthcare development initiatives associated with Thumbay Group and Gulf Medical University. His leadership continues to support the integration of research, technology, and patient-centered laboratory services in the UAE healthcare sector.

Dr. Palto Datta is a highly experienced academic and marketing expert with nearly three decades of teaching experience in the UK’s further and higher education sectors. He holds a PhD in Marketing from the University of Hertfordshire, an MSc in Marketing from the University of Glamorgan, and a BSc in Plasma Physics from the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. He has further strengthened his academic profile through executive education at institutions including Samford University, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Datta is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Advance HE, and the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK), and he is also a Certified Management and Business Educator. He currently serves as Scholarship Lead and Senior Lecturer at Regent College London. A published author of several books on marketing and entrepreneurship, Dr. Datta is also a novelist, columnist, and researcher, and regularly delivers keynote speeches at international conferences. His global perspective is enriched by his travels to more than 75 countries.

Dr. Rajesh Mohnot is a distinguished academic leader with over three decades of extensive experience in teaching, research, consulting, and education management across countries like Singapore, Malaysia, the UAE, and India. Renowned for his contributions to academia and institutional development, Dr. Rajesh has consistently demonstrated excellence in fostering growth and innovation. As a recognized expert in international accreditations, Dr. Rajesh has spearheaded numerous accreditation exercises with prestigious agencies, including AACSB and QS. His professional collaborations with global organizations such as CFA (USA), IMA (USA), and ACCA (UK) reflect his commitment to upholding academic and professional standards. As an accomplished researcher, Dr. Rajesh has 50+ publications to his credit in academic & professional journals and conference proceedings. He has presented his work at several international conferences across the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Europe, and Thailand. His research has earned him accolades, including best paper awards at conferences held in Hawaii and Costa Rica. Dr. Rajesh’s expertise extends beyond academia; he has conducted numerous impactful training and workshop programs for banks, financial institutions, and corporations, most notably serving as a Harvard Manage Mentor for Emirates NBD Bank to train executives in business and finance. With a proven track record of excellence, Dr. Rajesh remains committed to shaping the future of education and professional development.

Global Academician with 20 plus years of Academic leadership .He has a Senior Research Fellowship with University of South Florida USA with more than 200 High Impact Publication in Scopus Q1 Q2 .

He has been advisor to many Global corporations in Middle East and Europe and spearheads Worlds best DBA program in Europe.

Dr. Sandip P. Dhurat is an inventor, researcher, author, and innovation leader from India whose work spans neurodiversity, education, clean energy, sustainability, and inclusive technology. With more than 24 patent applications filed with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), he has developed innovations ranging from NeuroCodeFix, a neuro-inclusive workforce and life-navigation ecosystem, to pioneering concepts in hydrogen systems, mobility safety, and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Dhurat is the creator of NeuroCodeFix and NeuroCodeFix Social Navigator, frameworks designed to support autistic and neurodivergent individuals in education, employment, social participation, and independent living. His work focuses on translating innovation into practical solutions that improve quality of life and expand opportunities for underserved communities.

He is the author of more than 30 books and a published researcher, including work on neurodiversity and inclusion in peer-reviewed academic literature. His article, "Harnessing Neurodiversity in Coding: A New Framework for Autistic Talent and Inclusion," was published in the Journal of Neurology and Translational Neuroscience. He has also been appointed to the Scientific Committee of the 4th International Congress on Psychology & Behavioral Sciences 2027.

In the sustainability sector, Dr. Dhurat has developed innovations in hydrogen technologies, carbon sequestration, wastewater resource recovery, and climate-focused systems. He is an Honorary Member of the International Association of Carbon Capture and has contributed to discussions on future-ready standards and inclusive innovation.

Dr. Dhurat was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) in recognition of his contributions to sustainable innovation, clean energy, neurodiversity inclusion, and societal impact. His work is guided by a commitment to creating solutions that combine technological advancement with human-centered design, accessibility, and global relevance.

For QS Reimagine, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective at the intersection of education, innovation, inclusion, employability, and future skills development.

Dr. Shahnaz Hamid serves as the Dean at the London School of Business and Finance, where she oversees academic and administrative functions. She holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, specialising in Strategic Human Resource Management in Switzerland. She has recently received the prestigious jury award from COAE Global Awards for her exceptional contributions to education.  

With extensive experience in Human Resource Management and International Business, Dr. Hamid engages adult learners at various academic levels, delivering a rich and inclusive learning experience. Her research interests include remote learning and technological transformation in higher education, and she actively publishes in scholarly journals.  

As an expert in accreditation processes, Dr. Hamid works closely with regulatory bodies to enhance the quality of online education. Her insights have been featured in recognised publications, reflecting her commitment to advancing academic excellence in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

Dr. Shefali Saluja is currently serving as an Associate Professor at Chitkara University, with a doctoral specialization in Corporate Governance. Her PhD research focused on the “Detection and Prevention of Corporate Frauds,” reflecting her deep commitment to promoting ethical standards and transparency in corporate practices. She holds an MBA in Financial Markets from Chitkara University and a Bachelor's degree in Economics (Hons.) from Panjab University. With over 12 years of professional experience, Dr. Saluja has developed expertise in Ethics, Governance, Risk Management, and Fraud Examination. Her industry tenure at Ernst & Young Pvt. Ltd. – Risk Management involved conducting internal audits and implementing risk mitigation strategies for high-profile clients. Her exceptional performance earned her multiple Extra Mile Client Service Awards. She has successfully completed the prestigious online course on Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination from West Virginia University, USA. As an educator and trainer, she has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on fraud detection for academicians and professionals across the globe. Dr. Saluja actively contributes to institutional development through her roles in NAAC Accreditation and AACSB Internal Accreditation processes at Chitkara Business School. Her academic influence extends internationally—she has delivered lectures and modules at: IST College, Greece – International Business RMT College, Philippines- International Business Emden University, Germany – Failing Corporates Telkom University, Indonesia & Providence University, Taiwan – Fraud Investigation Mondragon University, Spain – Business in Asia MSME Association, Indonesia – Trained 100 MSMEs on Business Opportunities in Cirebon An accomplished researcher, Dr. Saluja has 37 published research papers, 6 under review, 3 granted patents, and 29 copyrights spanning multidisciplinary domains. She is currently supervising two PhD candidates (one awarded, one ongoing). She is affiliated with several esteemed global bodies, including: United Nations Volunteers Program (since 2020) Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), USA Editorial and Reviewer Roles: The Journal of Corporate Governance Journal of Money Laundering Control Journal of Financial Crime International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management Journal of Corporate Finance and Accounting PBME and PBMEIT Book Series IGI Global Academic Profiles: Scopus ID: 59473680600 Google Scholar:https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=XwXwoswAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

Professor and Director - Innovation and Corporate Relations, Startup Mentor, Entrepreneur, Incubation, Networking, Research, Patents, QS Ranking Judge, IQAC, NIRF, NAAC, NBA, AICTE, UGC, ONDC.

Dr. Javalkar Dinesh Kumar is an accomplished academician, researcher, and administrator serving as Associate Dean (Academics) at Lingaya's Vidyapeeth. He possesses over a decade of combined experience in academia, research, and industry, contributing significantly to teaching, curriculum development, and academic administration.

Dr. Javalkar has an extensive research portfolio with numerous publications in reputed national and international journals and conferences. His research interests include Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing, VLSI Design, Embedded Systems, Optical Communication, Artificial Intelligence, and Grid Computing. He has guided undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral scholars and actively participates in interdisciplinary research projects. 

A professional member of several scientific and engineering societies, Dr. Javalkar serves as a reviewer, editorial board member, and session chair for various international conferences and journals. He is recognized for his contributions to academic excellence, research innovation, and industry–academia collaboration. Through his leadership at Lingaya's Vidyapeeth, he continues to promote quality education, research culture, and student development.

Dr.A. Narasima Venkatesh has 26+ Years of Total Work Experience including Industry Experience

as Assistant Manager – HR in the Manufacturing Industry. His educational qualifications are Ph.D.

(Business Administration), MSW, M.Phil. (Management), M.H.R.M., M.B.A.., B.Com. – Attained

First Class in all the degrees and cleared UGC-NET in Business Administration Examination. He is

regularly listed in the Top 10% of Authors from Worldwide in ELSEVIER-Social Science Research

Network (SSRN). His Overall Author Rank is 12,438 out of 2,059,141 authors from worldwide in

ELSEVIER-SSRN as on 1st January 2025. His Author Rank is 2775 out of SSRN Top 12,000

Business Authors from Worldwide ELSEVIER-SSRN as on 1st January 2025. Google Scholar

Citations -299, h-index-10, i10-index-10 along with publications of research papers in reputed

journals of international repute in ABDC-‘B’ and ‘C’, Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE, SPRINGER

and Patents(20) and Books(6). He has received an offer for University Research Fellowship (URF)

for a full time Doctoral Programme in Management Studies. He has received “Certificate of

Recognition” from QS Reimagine Education Awards 2023 and 2024 organized by QS Quacquarelli

Symonds in association with Wharton University of Pennsylvania (2023) and American University of

Middle East(2024) for his Exemplary service as “Judge” for his insights and expertise to the rigorous

evaluation and celebration of groundbreaking educational innovations from all over the world

submitted to the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2023 and 2024 respectively. He has served as

Ph.D Thesis Evaluator and External Examiner in the Ph.D. Viva-voce for Ph.D Scholars of various

universities and presently guiding FPM and Ph.D Scholars in Management Discipline. He has

received “Best Research Paper Awards” in International and National Conferences. He has received

“Best Professor in Human Resource Management Award”, “Excellence in Teaching and Research

Award, “Distinguished Teacher and Researcher Award - Management 2020”, “Prominent

Educationist and Academic Researcher Award- 2021”. He was invited as Chief Guest, Keynote

Speaker, Panel Member, Session Chair for International Conference, National Conference, Invited

Speaker/Resource Person for Faculty Development Programme(s), External Examiner, HR Expert

Committee Member, Judge for various events etc., He has served as Resource Person for University

and College Teachers for the “Refresher Course in Social Sciences” on the topic “Driving Digital

Transformation Through Industry 4.0” and “Industry-4.0 – Redefining the Future of Work” organized

by UGC-HRD Centre of Bharathiar University, Coimbatore. He has organized and Participated in

various National Level and International Level Conferences, FDPs, LDPs, MDPs, Workshops and

Seminars.

Senior Manager – Research & Incubation | Distinguished Innovator & Startup Strategist

Akshay Raj is a preeminent figure in the Indian innovation landscape, celebrated for his exceptional ability to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial success. As a Senior Manager of Research & Incubation, he has built a legacy of transforming fledgling ideas into market-disrupting ventures, establishing himself as a key architect of the modern startup ecosystem.

Innovation & Intellectual Property Powerhouse

Mr. Raj is one of the most prolific contributors to industrial research today, with an intellectual property portfolio that defines technical excellence:

• 100+ Patents Filed & Published: His visionary engineering has led to more than 100 patents in diverse fields, including IoT-driven industrial safety, smart automation, and renewable energy systems. His most notable invention, the Lineman Life-Saving System, has received national acclaim for its impact on occupational safety.

• Global Research Footprint: He is a frequent contributor to reputed international journals (Scopus/Web of Science indexed). His research on AI-integrated surveillance, EV charging optimization, and sustainable cold-chain logistics is widely cited, influencing the next generation of engineers and researchers.

Architect of the Startup Revolution

With a hands-on approach to entrepreneurship, Mr. Raj has moved beyond theory to create tangible economic impact:

• 200+ Startups Mentored: He has personally guided over 200 startups through the rigorous journey from "Idea to Commercialization." His mentorship covers critical pillars: Business Model Canvas (BMC), technical prototyping, IPR protection, and securing venture capital.

• Commercialization Specialist: He notably commercialized a biometric R&D project into a standalone startup, achieving 2.4 million INR in revenue within 24 months, proving the viability of university-led incubation.

• Incubation Leadership: As the head of Start-in-UP (IIMT University Business Incubator), he manages high-stakes government mandates including MSME-ASPIRE and DST-NIMAT projects.

National Recognitions & Influence

• NITI Aayog - Mentor for Change: Selected to shape the minds of young innovators through the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) initiative.

• Innovation Ambassador (Ministry of Education): Appointed by the MIC MHRD to foster a culture of innovation across higher education institutions in India.

• Academic Honors: A Double Gold Medalist, receiving the Abdul Kalam Memorial Award for Research & Innovation and the Chancellor’s Gold Medal for his M.Tech in Electrical Engineering.

Dr. Alvin Jason A. Virata is an educator, researcher, and academic leader known for his commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and evidence-based instruction in higher education. With extensive experience in teaching, curriculum design, and educational technology integration, he has championed initiatives that strengthen institutional capacities for research, digital literacy, and emerging technologies. 

He has served in various academic and administrative roles, guiding programs in information technology, education, and organizational development. His work focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence, data-driven decision making, and technology-enhanced learning to build future-ready learners and resilient academic communities.

Dr. Virata has been invited as a resource speaker in seminars, conferences, and training programs on AI in education, program development, leadership, quality assurance, and capacity building for schools and organizations. His passion lies in empowering educators and students to navigate technological shifts responsibly and ethically.

A continuous learner and advocate of innovation, Dr. Virata remains committed to advancing transformative practices that promote excellence, integrity, and meaningful impact in the academic and professional sectors.

Dr. Amar Saraswat is an Assistant Professor (Selection Grade) in the School of Engineering & Technology at K.R. Mangalam University, Gurugram, with over a decade of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership. His research interests include Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Cyber Security, and their applications in the healthcare sector.

Dr. Saraswat has international research experience as a Research Assistant at the Kyushu Institute of Technology (KIT), Japan, where he contributed to a Japanese Government-funded project focused on developing communication devices for deaf and blind citizens. He has authored a book, several book chapters, and numerous research publications in reputed journals and international conferences.

He is actively involved in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students through hackathons, industry collaborations, and technology-driven initiatives. As a member of the Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, he is committed to bridging the gap between academia and emerging technologies. His engaging teaching style, practical approach, and dedication to student development have earned him several recognitions and accolades throughout his academic career.

With over a decade of academic experience, I am the Global Collaboration Head at GSSS-Global Student Society for Sustainability, where I focus on driving impactful student engagement and teacher training initiatives. My expertise lies in energy efficiency and sustainability, supported by professional certifications such as Energy Auditor from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.

Alongside my academic responsibilities as a professor and Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Sandip Institute of Engineering and Management, I actively promote sustainable practices and effective education strategies. My mission is to advance energy-efficient solutions and collaborate on global sustainability initiatives while mentoring the next generation of engineering leaders.

Prof(Dr.) Anuj Bhardwaj is a distinguished educationist, professor, and advisor with a multifaceted career that spans both academia and industry. Renowned for his extensive expertise in national and international accreditation, ranking, and rating frameworks.

Dr. Bhardwaj’s academic journey is marked by his identity as a proud BITIAN. He earned his Master’s degree in computer science from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra-a testament to his solid foundation in technology and research. Furthering his academic pursuits, he completed his Ph.D. in Computer Science & IT from MJP Rohilkhand University(Govt. State University), equipping him with the analytical rigor and scholarly acumen necessary to navigate complex quality assurance frameworks

I am a Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management with experience in teaching, research, training, human resource development, and entrepreneurship within the higher education industry. My responsibilities include delivering curriculum, conducting research, and providing academic and professional guidance to students. In addition to my academic role, I am actively involved in community engagement initiatives through collaborations with government agencies, industry players, and alumni.

I obtained my PhD in Human Resource Management from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland. My research focuses on women engineers and careers in STEM, particularly turnover factors among women engineers from both work and non-work environments. My thesis adopted Lewin’s Field Theory to examine how individual and environmental factors interact in influencing turnover intention, job embeddedness, and retention among women engineers. My work contributes to the understanding of retention strategies and gender diversity in engineering.

Beyond academia, I have served as a judge in various international innovation competitions and have contributed to the peer-review process for several indexed journals.

Dr. Arun Raju Chinna Raju, DBA, is a product and strategy leader with 8+ years across SAP, Deloitte, Accenture, TextNow, and Samsung, and the founder of Shopidai. Arun holds a Doctorate in Analytics & Strategic Management from Westcliff University, with published research spanning agentic AI, explainable AI, AI-driven consumer behavior, and the future of learning and work (15 peer-reviewed papers, 178 citations, h-index 5; primary author on 12). Arun's doctoral work applies structural equation modeling to how trust, accuracy, and engagement shape adoption of AI tools, with direct implications for AI-augmented education, personalized learning, and ethical deployment of intelligent systems in academic settings. As a judge for global awards including the Stevie Awards, Globee Awards, and Brandon Hall Excellence Awards, Arun brings a rigorous, evidence-based lens to evaluating innovation, scalability, learner impact, and pedagogical transformation. Arun is honored to serve as a judge for QS Reimagine Education and looks forward to championing initiatives that reimagine how the world teaches, learns, and prepares for an AI-native future.

I am a Psychiatrist, psychotherapist, clinical researcher, mental health spcialisr, and training of trainer for medical education instructor at Princess Fatma Academy for contentious medical education, Cairo, Egypt. With extensive experience in governmental and private mental health services, contributes to Egypt's national electronic mental health platform,providing telepsychiatry, psychotherapy, and patient follow- up. I am an active trainer in mental health resilience, psychosocial support, and disaster psychiatry, delivering programs for healthcare professionals nationally and internationally. My academic development includes; postgraduate diploma in public health, majoring mental health from faculty of medicine, Alexandria university, Alexandria, Egypt. CBT clincal diploma two years, Harvaed Medical School Clincal Scholar Research training and multiple international certificates in digital health and medical education. I participated in global humanitarian and crisis - response intitiatives supporting populations affected bt war and displacement, including Gaza, Sudane, Lebonan, and presenting my work at regional and international psychiatry, neurology conferences, focusing on resilience, PTSD, PTSDG, and digital mental health innovation. My research portifolio includes peer- review publications on trauma, depression, anxiety, and mental health in conflict settings. Ialso had received The Prof. Yehia Rakhawy Award in Psychiatry Research 2025 for my work on PTSD and wellbeing among war affected populations. In addtion to clincal and research roles, I had been engaged in teaching, mentorship, and international mental health advocacy through several profssional networks.

Dr Christina Konstantinidou Konstantopoulou

Dr Christina Konstantinidou Konstantopoulou holds a DBA in Business Administration from Nottingham Trent University. She received an MBA with Distinction in Business Administration from Kingston University and an MA in Adult Education from the Hellenic Open University. She has concluded the Interdepartmental MASTER Programme "Social Neuroscience, Social Pedagogy and Education" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), which was delivered in collaboration with the Department of Primary Education (DPE), the School of Medicine, and the Department of Biology.

Furthermore, she holds a BA Honours First Class in Business Management from Kingston University and a BH Honours First Class in Humanities in European Culture with a full scholarship from the Hellenic Open University.

She has extended work experience in the hospitality industry. For 24 years, she has worked as the General Manager of Porto Hydra Hotel (a 5-Star, 300-room hotel) with numerous awards and global distinctions. She also worked for 3 years as the General Manager of "Time Share Hellas SA" and contributed to the promotion of alternative tourism products/services. For 21 consecutive years, she served as a member of the Board of Directors of Akti Plepi S.A., which made significant contributions to the advancement of the tourism destination of the prefecture of Argolida in Greece. For 8 years, she was the Managing Director of the company "Diachiristiki S.A".